Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 14- It's your choice

Mira's POV:

As I entered the dining hall, I scanned the room, taking in the grand chandeliers and intricately carved wooden panels. The room was filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and roasting meat. The King sat at the head of the table, his blond hair adorned with a crown, and dressed in a simple yet elegant white shirt and black pants. Prince Cadoc was to his right, and he smiled at me, his eyes shining with warmth. Princess Evie was seated to the King's left, her blond hair styled in an elegant updo, and a tiara sparkled on her head. She wore a beautiful blue dress that matched her eyes, and despite her cold demeanor, she smiled at me.

I noticed a woman in her 40s, with curly brown hair and a kind face, seated opposite Prince Cadoc. A boy with messy brown hair and bright chocolate eyes sat beside her, looking no older than 16. I searched the room desperately for Prince Nova, but he was nowhere to be found. I curtsied gracefully, and the King smiled warmly.

"Welcome, Mira. Please, seat yourself."

I took the seat beside Prince Cadoc, who smiled at me, his eyes shining with warmth. The waiters began serving us, and I was amazed by the amount of food on the table. There were platters of roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and freshly baked bread. The King encouraged us to eat, and I couldn't help but indulge in the delicious food.

After the main course, they served us dessert, and I noticed the King chatting with the woman, Velma, like old friends. They talked about a recent charity event they had both attended, and the King laughed at something she said.

After dessert, the King asked me, "How was your trip, Mira?"

I smiled politely. "It was long, but I'm glad to be here, Your Majesty."

The King smiled. "I'm glad you made it safely. Oh, before I forget, I need to introduce you to my friend, Velma Pierce." He smiled fondly at her. "She is the wife of the head of the bodyguards and Prince Nova's personal bodyguard."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Prince Nova's name, and I wondered where he was. I stood up and curtsied. "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Pierce"

She smiled. "Please, call me Velma. Mrs. Pierce makes me feel old."

The King introduced the boy beside her as Xander, her youngest son. I smiled and bowed to him, and to my surprise, he stood up and took my hand, kissing it. I was taken aback but tried to hide it. He smiled and said, "It's nice to meet you, Miss Mira."

I frowned slightly, unsure of what to make of his gesture. Prince Cadoc looked like he was suppressing a laugh, and I wondered what was funny. He whispered softly, "Let's talk after breakfast."

I nodded excitedly and smiled brightly at him, he looked away quickly, clearing his throat. I raised an eyebrow but shifted my focus to the King and asked respectfully, "Your Majesty, I didn't see His Highness, Prince Nova."

The King replied, "He is on a business trip with Velma's husband."

Velma teased the King, "I'm sure my husband is keeping him out of trouble."

The King chuckled. "I'm sure Nova is keeping your husband on his toes."

I wondered when Prince Nova would return, but I pushed the thought aside and focused on the moment.

After that, the King and Velma excused themselves, while Prince Cadoc led me out of the room. I smiled at Xander, who smiled back and blushed, quickly looking away. Outside the room, I noticed Bellamy waiting for me, along with a guard standing at attention. The guard had a stern expression, his eyes fixed forward.

Bellamy started to speak, "My lady, how was—"

But she stopped when she saw Prince Cadoc with me. She quickly looked down, curtseying and blushing furiously. Prince Cadoc smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners.