Althea

Chapter 20

I tried not to tune out the red haired woman next to me. She was short - shorter than most women her age. She mentioned her name was Eris, and she had stuck to my side ever since meeting me this morning.

Truthfully, I hadn't met her - ever. I only heard of her, the year she was sick, when Oliver informed me she wouldn't be attending that year's debutante ball. It was my responsibility for that year, and I made sure it would go perfect. Of course, my plans were overriden the moment Althea stepped in. She started being her usual annoying self and- why am I even thinking about her right now?

"Prince Aias, there's a café there! You mentioned wanting something to eat, right?" I looked towards where she was pointing. Indeed, a building that probably used to be a house stood there, right next to the tailor's shop. Before I could react, she was already running towards it. Deciding I had nothing better to do, and was starving - I hadn't eaten breakfast today because I had to leave early for a meeting - I followed after her.

I looked around as she ordered. I had already placed my order in, and was wondering what the hell I was doing here with her. I barely knew the woman. She was thrown out of my mind the minute a certain silver haired annoyance walked inside the café. Thanks alot, universe. She probably noticed me, because I saw her eyes widening as they fell on mine, but I was already turning back to the counter by then.

I followed Eris to the side of the counter, where she waited for her food to be ready.

This time, I did tune her out, and instead opted for gazing at Althea as she attempted to hide from me. Little did she know, I notice her the moment she walks into any room I'm in. Call it a strength or a weakness, I for some reason can't help it. Maybe its her eyes. They're a brighter blue than mine. It's like her whole appereance is divine. I won't deny how beautiful Althea is, The way she carries herself with grace and politness, is a beautiful sight. Her silver hair cascades down her back when it's not up in a hairstyle, which is rare. She usually braids her hair with a blue ribbon running through the braids, matching the color of her eyes, and pearls are sewed on it. When we were staying in the same room, I got to see her with her hair down, and I can't deny the image that flashed in my mind of her hair around my fist. Other than... that, it felt like a different sight. It felt normal. The braid is beautiful, of course, but she felt natural with her long hair that almost passed her lower back.

Goodness. I can't believe I'm analysing Althea Asten of all people. By the time I snapped back to reality, I was met with Eris tugging me towards the stairs and Althea nowhere to be seen. Did she leave?

My question was answered when we made our way to the second floor. She sat glancing at the stairs every now and then, and her eyes fell on mine, before she immediately averted them. Her usually pale skin was slightly rosy now.

Eris sat down in one of the chairs, but I decided to greet Althea. What can I say? Seeing her losing her cool feels like a victory to me.

And that was exactly what I did, I walked up to their table, where she was sitting with the girl I always saw her with. I think her name is Delia, marquis Ashford's daughter and that asshole's Isaac's sister.