𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

09

The grand dining hall was filled with the clatter of silverware and the murmur of conversation as the royal family sat down to dinner. Vincent, the Grand Prince, presided over the table, with Edith serving him.

Edith looked at the direction of where the royal kitchen was situated, as she smiled at Vincent awkwardly before heading out to the kitchen.

"I've an important announcement to make," the King finally broke the ice.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the King.

"Our dear Sophia will be arriving in the noon," the King announced, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled warmly.

Chris's face paled as his cheeks flamed red. Vincent looked at him and a small smirk made its face to his lips.

"What?!" Asael jumped out of his chair as his father just smiled at him, showing him the palm of his hand.

"And," the King continued, "we have decided that it is time for our Christopher to take a wife. Sophia will be staying with us for an extended period..." He paused, looking around the table before his gaze landed on Christopher. "We expect you to court her appropriately."

Christopher nodded, his face beet-red. "Yes, Father," he managed to choke out, avoiding eye contact with anyone at the table.

Queen Aurianna clapped her hands together, her eyes shining with excitement. "Oh, how wonderful." she exclaimed. "I always have wanted my daughter-in-law to be someone like our Sophia."

She turned to her husband, "We should plan a grand ball in her honor, dear. To mark her arrival and their new courtship."

"No need for modesty, my dear," the King chuckled. "Let's plan it as an engagement ball, shall we? No use in drawn-out courtships when we all know the outcome." He winked at Christopher, who let out a nervous laugh.

✮✮✮

Edith hurried into the kitchen, her heart racing. She spotted Bridget holding a tray of steaming soup and rushed over.

"Bridget!" Edith exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been signaling you for ages. The prince will be furious if his soup isn't served promptly."

Bridget huffed, adjusting the heavy tray on her hands. "I'm coming, I'm coming. The women in the pantry took their sweet time chopping the herbs." She bustled past Edith in hurry.

Edith sighed, leaning against the counter. She knew Prince Vincent's temper all too well. He expected perfection in all things, and woe betide anyone who displeased him. She pushed off from the counter and followed Bridget out of the kitchen.

Bridget carefully set the tray down in front of Prince Vincent, while Edith stood discreetly beside him, ready to refill his cup or fetch anything he might need.

Vincent glanced at her, his blue eyes sharp. "About time," he murmured, so only she could hear. Then, louder, "And bring me the wine. The '75 Bordeaux."

Edith bent down slightly, her voice a soft whisper so as not to disturb the conversation at the table. "My apologies, Your Highness, but it's family dinner. Perhaps you could fetch the wine yourself later?" She straightened up quickly.

Vincent's face darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes. He opened his mouth to reprimand her, but paused when he noticed his father watching them closely. Clenching his jaw, he instead snapped, "I shall wait, Miss Edith."

Edith curtsied quickly and moved to the other side of the hall where the way led to the royal kitchen.

Later that night, as the castle slept under a blanket of stars, Bridget thrashed in her sleep, her brows furrowed and her breath coming in short pants. She let out a muffled cry, and her eyes flew open, darting around the dimly lit dormitory.