"Hestia right?" Alyssa asked her mischievous smile radiant.
"Yes" she replied hastily.
"Oh! I'm sorry about your sister. I hope she is recovering well."she said her expression softened.
"She'll be fine " Hestia assured her forcing a smile.
"I hope so" Alyssa added.
Hestia felt awkward surrounded by those lovely creatures, Alyssa was extremely beautiful woman despite her ages and her daughter was an angel in a human form, her dark hair and blue eyes that reminded Hestia serene summer sky. She felt somehow a sting on her heart but how could she admire herself with them. shake off the thoughts and focused on the present moment when Alyssa asked her.
"Would you mind joining us for dinner?"
"Sure" Hestia agreed .
In the dining room an array of dishes covered the table, roasted meats, steaming vegetables and golden-brown bread with desserts aside.
"Please make yourself at home." Alyssa gestured for her to sit.
As she settled in Raymond and Edward entered and the moment later Rose entered.
Grabbing a chair beside Hestia and settled in. "I'm Rose. And you?" She asked with a smile.
"I'm Hestia" she replied.
"Are you from castle?" Rose asked serving her food.
"No we're not in Thalnaraen at all we just came two days ago" Hestia replied.
"Two days ago?" Rose's eyes Widened. "Two days ago? You're still getting used to our humble city then."
Hestia smiled. "Yes it's been an adventure."
Rose giggled. "Well, if you think our own city is an adventure wait till you try our desserts!" She winked offering Hestia a tray of colorful pastries.
"Rose , stop teasing our guest." Alyssa chuckled.
"No no it's fine " Hestia assured taking a pastry. "I love sweet treats."
Rose grinned mischievously. "I know you'd be my kind of person! Try the strawberry tart it's heavenly."
Kind person!? If she only knows she was rude just pretend to be what they saw her.
She took a bite "it's incredible" she said with a smile.
"Told you! Our chef Mia is a genius."
"Hestia I'm so glad you enjoyed dinner. Now we shall retire to my room Rylynn's already asleep" she said as they ascended the stairs. "Tomorrow Hestia we'll indulge in a whirlwind adventure. We'll stroll through the gardens basking in the golden sunlight and whispering secrets to the flowers then we'll descended upon the market where I will introduce you to the one of my dear friend and then later we'll make dinner together but be warned our little soiree will be interrupted by a certain mighty prince. You know he is quite..... persistent. Still I'm sure you'll find him tolerable."She spoke in a rapid-fire tone her words tumbling out in quick succession .
"what do you mean tolerable? Wait does he told you about his impending arrival tomorrow?" Hestia asked.
"No he didn't but I have a feeling he will." Rose's smile was radiant. "
"then why do you have the feeling he will?" She asked her curiosity piqued.
"Because how could a man spend a day without succumbing to his desire?" Rose replied "pleasure after all is a hard thing to resist."
Her eyes widened and she nearly choked on her own breath. "Please?! You think...? No way you've misunderstand"
Rose halted in front of the door a sly grin spreading across her face. "No sweetheart I understand perfectly. The longing glances the subtle touch the promise to take care of yourself as repayment for a debt it's all so deliciously familiar so don't bother denying it I know the sign. But remember no worries if you don't want to talk about it, I totally understand! I can come up with another topic something funny, light-hearted and completely unrelated to your secret admirer or unrequited love" she wink before opened the door and stepped" I know I talk too much " she began as they entered. "It's literally my superpower and curse! My friends say I could turn a silent monk into a chatterbox. So please don't hesitate to shut me down if I'm overwhelming you, seriously if you ever need a break from my noise just give me a look and I'll zip it. I swear I'm not always this gabby or maybe I am. Anyway, let's move on before I reveal more of your secrets or worse my own!"
"though! I must insist there is absolutely nothing between us" she emphasized her voice firm but gentle.
"Alright, alright"Rose replied. "I won't pry for now" she smiled teasingly. "It's getting late we should sleep tomorrow is a new day full of possibilities."
Hestia nodded and began making her say to Rylynn's peaceful slumber. "Don't" Rose called out just as she was about to settle beside Rylynn.
"Father specifically said we can't disturb her" she explained "please come sleep with me." She said gesturing her own bed.
"I'll come soon" she protested "I just want to watch her sleeping for a moment".
Rose agreed with a nod.
Hestia watch over Rylynn, she took in the room grandeur, the luxurious bed, intricately carved dresser and expansive window. Her curiosity drew her to the window where she pushed aside the curtains revealing the night's mysterious darkness. The night sky twinkled above and tall trees whispered secrets to one another.
"you're still awake" Rose's voice floated from the bed.
"Just lost in thought" she replied.
She tossed aside the covers and joined her at the window. "What captivates you out there?" She asked.
"The night's serenity" she whispered. "It's calming."
"I adore nights like these. They make me feel alive" Rose said as she learned into the window frame.
"yes! but I wish I could see beyond the shadows" she whispered her eyes still fixed on the darkness.
"It's just the forest's mystique, Hestia you've properly heard rumors about these woods."
"Rumors?" Hestia's curiosity piqued.
"They say this forest hides unspeakable terrors within. Creatures that lurk in the darkness waiting to snare unsuspecting. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures flitting between the trees."
"And your family isn't afraid?"
Rose shrugged. "Apparently, father knows something the rest of the world doesn't. Why else would we reside in the heart of the supposedly cursed forest?" She long for the answer.
"But if everyone's terrified, why did your family stay?" Hestia pressed.
"Father's reasons are his own. Perhaps he's searching for something..... Or hiding from it." Her voice trailed off lost in thought.
"What could he be hiding from?"
"Oh never mind" Rose's focus snapped back. "just old wives' tales. Don't let it trouble you. get some rest darling the darkness can play tricks on my mind."
As Rose returned to bed, Hestia remained at the window her thoughts tangled in the mystery of the forest.
