A/N: Yes... I've been gone for a while, so I apologize for that. Also, I know it was published on a Saturday... but I can say that I'm back to publishing regularly:P
Caterina's POV
I step into the dining room again, the air thick with the rich aroma of food prepared just for me. My eyes scan the table, landing on a steaming bowl of soup accompanied by a colorful array of vegetables and a plate that tempts me with a cake-like dessert.
I pull out the chair, the wood cool beneath my fingertips, and sink into my seat. As I lift the spoon, anticipation fills me. The first taste is a revelation—the soup bursts with flavor, warming me from the inside out. Each bite is a delightful experience, the richness lingering on my tongue.
Just as I'm savoring the meal, I hear the scrape of a chair nearby. I look up to find Xander smiling down at me, his presence brightening the room. "No one should eat alone," he says, his voice warm and inviting. I nod quickly, wiping my lips with a cloth napkin, flustered yet pleased.
"How do you feel so far?" His genuine curiosity prompts me to answer.
"I feel okay so far," I reply, lifting the spoon again but feeling the weight of his gaze. I take a moment to swallow the comforting soup before continuing, "Ajia has been very kind, showing me around the castle. She mentioned that Queen Celeste is one of the strongest here, so I feel somewhat okay." I drop my gaze back to the bowl, avoiding his eyes, the tablecloth suddenly fascinating.
"Yes, she is. Queen Celeste is a rare being," he says with conviction. His words spark a flicker of courage in me, and I turn to face him fully. "Is it because of how long she's been alive?" I ask, curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.
"Haha, not quite," he chuckles softly, and his laughter eases some of my tension. "As you already know, she is a tribrid... and has been alive for centuries. But she's the first tribrid this world has ever had."
My mind races, trying to piece together the puzzle. "What about her sister, Cadenza? Aren't they twins?" I ask, confusion creeping into my voice.
"She's a tribrid too, but Celeste was born first, which makes her stronger," he explains, and I put down the spoon, contemplating the implications.
"Do you know Cadenza?" I ask cautiously, and he shakes his head. "No. Cadenza left this kingdom centuries ago, and I wasn't born yet. All I know is that she was treacherous." His words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken history.
"Oh..." I murmur, my gaze dropping to the swirling soup in front of me. Sensing my unease, he leans in slightly. "Look, the good thing is that you are protected. Celeste will not let anything happen to you," he reassures me, though doubt gnaws at the edges of my thoughts.
"What if she's just doing it so nothing happens to her throne?" I ask, voice barely above a whisper.
"No. Queen Celeste is very caring. Not just toward the individuals close to her, but everyone. Also, don't question her intentions... it's considered rude." His tone is firm, yet understanding, and I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment.
"Since you're not from here, I understand your point of view. Just trust Celeste... she will truly take care of you." His attempt to lighten the mood brings a small nod from me, and I feel a flicker of hope amid my uncertainty.
After finishing the meal, Xander tells me that he, Imperia, and Athan are heading to their kingdom to prepare for the performance. It's a tradition for the jester family to entertain the royals after their tour, and excitement builds in my chest.
Back in my room, Yvette begins to dress me for the show, her hands skillfully working with fabric. She pulls together a long black dress adorned with intricate rose designs at the hem, creating a striking contrast against my skin. With practiced ease, she sweeps my hair up into a bun, securing it with a delicate black pin.
YOU ARE READING
Divided
RomanceAfter school one afternoon, Caterina takes a shortcut through a lush, enchanting forest to get home faster. The vibrant flowers and towering trees seem like something out of a dream, yet as she ventures deeper into the woods, an uneasy feeling begin...