𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞

𝟕

   I walked absentmindedly towards my tea garden, the test that the counselors had to do with their heirs took a long time and my father wanted me to help him check everything and make a decision with him as the heir to the throne. So tonight and the next day would be filled with a lot of work.

   I was a little late for tea, the young ladies I had invited were already in my garden waiting for me, I was interested in hearing everything I had missed, however my mind was stuck on almost two hours ago when I was alone with my personal knight in the boardroom. His determined look and his stubborn words about accompanying me where I intended to go.

   I had to admit that our friendship had been strange since Eldhor. It was probably my fault because I couldn't stop thinking about why he never came to me in person after three and a half years.

   I pushed those thoughts to the darkest corner of my brain and focused on the four ladies sitting on the benches at my tea table, where previously, four years ago, it was the princesses from our alliances who sat on those benches.

   As soon as they noticed my presence, they stood up and bowed respectfully to me, I observed each of their smiling faces. I observed every detail of each of them, they were very different. Miss Matilda Mannylls was the first to bow before me, her blonde hair was beautiful and straight, unlike the wavy blonde of Miss Anne Orisini, daughter of Viscount Orisini, one of the councilors. And even though she was the last to bow, Miss Eleanor Romanov, daughter of Duke Romanov and my father's advisor, was the first to speak out.

"A long life filled with much happiness to your highness, Princess Flora." her curve was graceful, it was clear that she was the daughter of a duke.

"Good afternoon ladies. I hope you are hungry, my mother, her majesty the queen, prepared everything with great care. We hope you like it." I went to my seat and sat down, they followed my gesture and sat back down in their seats. Two of them seemed to be uncomfortable, something I understand being that once I was introduced to society, I never cared much for the other nobles and then I was out of the kingdom for four years. Inviting them now was surprising and they didn't know what to expect. But, as Duke Romanov is an old friend of my father, I have always had contact with Miss Eleanor Romanov and we have been friends since childhood, so with her by my side it would be easier to make the other two ladies more comfortable. "What a beautiful day it is today, I missed Bandohr."

"By the way, your highness. Forgive my intrusion but I can't stop thinking, how was your stay in Eldhor? I heard it's a very beautiful kingdom." Eleanor began. It was great, it was a smooth conversation starter, so we could slowly turn our conversation to Bandohr topics, so I could find out some useful information.

"It was splendid. Eldhor is a very beautiful kingdom, the climate is only a little colder than here in Bandohr so ​​it didn't make much difference, the palace was beautiful and very different from Bandohr." I reached out my hand so I could get a cake so I could eat. The desserts that my mother ordered to prepare looked very good.

"I heard that the men of Eldhor were also very handsome, and with bodies pleasing to a lady." Anne Orisini spoke, brought the fan to her head and covered half of her face up to her nose. How could she say something so bold and then hide as if she was ashamed? Well, it doesn't matter, it wasn't a lie that she was already at the age to care about these things.

"I have to admit that's true. Something I noticed was that their hair was long, that seems to be Eldohr's fashion." I replied. The conversation was flowing very well between us and the two ladies quickly got used to my presence. However, what I heard most was gossip among young people from high society. It wasn't exactly what I wanted, but at least I was aware of the rumors that were circulating around Bandohr, maybe one day it will be of some use to me... or maybe not.