Behind the Royal Mask

The Tour

Alaric, Cedric and Serene stood in front of the Dining Hall gates where they were supposed to meet Beatrice and her lady-in-waiting.

Alaric heard her laughter first before he saw her. She stepped into the hallway with Elara on one side and her guard, Derin, on other. Derin leant towards her, whispering something, which made her laugh again and hit him playfully on the shoulder. Alaric gritted his teeth as he witnessed the closeness.

"Oh my my," Serene said, "This is going to be an interesting afternoon."

"Easy, Your Highness," Cedric whispered, "You look like a hawk ready to swoop down."

When Beatrice's eyes spotted the trio, she smoothened her face. Approaching them, she offered a smile to Alaric and then glanced at his two companions.

"Lady Anya, this is the Commander of the Knights, Cedric," Alaric said, nodding at his friend who bowed in front of her.

"It's a pleasure to officially meet you, my lady," Cedric said.

"The pleasure is mine, Sir Cedric," Beatrice curtsied. 

"And this is Lady Serene," Alaric said, "She is Cedric's sister and a dear friend of mine."

Serene stepped forward and said with a graceful smile, "I hope afternoon treats you well, Lady Anya."

"Thankyou, Lady Serene," Beatrice said. Then turning to Derin, she said, "This is Derin, my personal guard. And she is Elara, my lady-in-waiting."

The said people bowed in front of Alaric though the prince did notice the stiffness of Derin. 

"Would you be single?" Serene asked Derin, tilting her head to the side, her curiosity startling everyone present.

"Am I... sorry?" Derin stammered, his brow furrowing as he processed her question.

"Serene!" Cedric chided, shooting his sister a warning glance.

"What?" Serene asked with raised hands, "I am just asking for a friend."

"Uh... well," Derin glanced at Beatrice, "I am currently focused on my duties, my lady. But I do have someone I think of dearly."

"I wouldn't have guessed it," Serene said with a straight face, her tone playful. 

Beatrice looked at Derin, her expression a mix of curiosity and bewilderment. "You do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Lady Anya," Alaric interrupted her, "Unfortunately, Prince Caelon will not be joining us. He is occupied at the time with some... digestive issues. We might have to do the tour without him."

"Oh well, isn't that unfortunate," Beatrice said, her lips fighting to form a smile, her voice holding a tone that betrayed no one. It was clear that she was more than overjoyed.

"Unfortunate indeed," Alaric said, cracking a smile. Then motioning towards a hall, he said, "Shall we?"

"Lead the way, Your Highness," Beatrice replied, her tone playful, as if testing the formality of their surroundings. Serene, Cedric, Derin and Elara trailed behind them, and much to Derin's dismay, giving the two privacy.

"I hope you had the raspberry pastries," Alaric said.

"I did, Your Highness," Beatrice said, flashing him a bright smile, "They reminded me of the pastries my mother bakes."

"I am glad," Alaric replied, "And just Alaric will do. No need of formalities between friends."

"Friends, is it?" Beatrice asked, her eyebrows raised in amusement.