𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧

۱۶

☾ S I X T E E N⭒

Vast displays of food decorated the table, fit for a feast for royalty. It most definitely was. Grace made sure to leave no coin unturned when it came to her son's much anticipated return. Her gaze lingered toward the girl who sat out of her skin. Her eyes scrutinised the little lamb, so out of place it made her wonder if Kazimir did the right thing by allowing her to dine with the rest of them. Meanwhile, in Barakah's mind, doubt filled her upon what she was able to eat upon arriving at the place. Too unaware of the beady eyes on her.

There were a limited amount of options. The bread roll, salad and what looked like soup. But even then she wasn't sure. Her stomach rumbled lowly, enough for Kazimir to hear, who stood just a few steps ahead her. He glanced over his shoulder, his eyebrows raised in question, meanwhile Barakah kept her head low, ashamed. If she could take a few steps back she would, but the maids stood behind her, acting as an ever growing wall of protection, meant not for her but from her. As if she could do anything, Barakah thought in her mind with sadness in her heart.

She didn't know what took over her. It was then, a high pitched voice reached her ears, and she was glad the heavy gaze she felt upon her disappeared. Only then did she look up to see a beautiful women get up from a chair.

She walked towards them with joy, her eyes on the man next to Barakah. The beautiful women was yet again met with the exhilaration of her son's stealthy return, so much so she almost did not notice the girl stood behind him.

"Welcome dear to our house. What is your name" she began, much to Kazimir's surprise. It wasn't like his mother to talk to strangers, much less someone whom she'd not met at all. He remembers the very first day his ex-fiance was introduced to his beloved mother. He remembered how she didn't talk to her at all with fondness. If anything, she made sure to always immerse herself in idle work and conversation, just to avoid having talking to Irina despite having maids at her beck and call. And if that wasnt enough of a resolute to stay away from her, she simply ignored her presence overall.

It was no longer a sore topic to think of his ex or even remember their memories together if you could even call them that, since Kazimir's duty was unforgiving. Regardless, he was surprised he didn't think much of their time together in these past three months, despite how long they'd known each other for and the type of relationship they held.

Nevertheless, he sat at the head of the table, where a maid was quick to serve him, but with the raise of a hand, she immediately retracted back, into the shadows of the dimmed room.

He would eat when everyone else was present. After all it had been so long since they'd gotten to eat together as one.

"She is not from our land, mother" Kazimir said curtly. "Now if you don't mind, where is father?" He asked, tactically steering the topic from the young girl, who looked like she could fall down right about now from all the fear.

Poor little lamb.

Grace was surprised to hear Kazimir's announcement. If she wasn't from Perusha, then where was she from. All these questions and nobody to answer them. Her son was a stubborn one and upon remembering that, she heaved a sigh, turning away from the girl.

"He shall be here in a few minutes- ah there he is!" she gleamed upon his sudden arrival. He walked towards his wife, going in for a chaste kiss on the lips. Barakah watched the whole exchange with wide eyes, not believing what she was seeing. She averted her gaze elsewhere, deeming it fit to provide them with some sort of privacy in such brazen atmosphere.

It seems as if she'd been embarrassed deeply, as her skin colour transformed into that of a tomato and her eyes as wide as saucers. She was unaware that Kazimir watched the entire scene unfold, from the small gasp to the horrid look. If he wasn't in the company of so many around, he would have surely laughed. Yet If one was to look closely, they'd be able to see the slight glimmer of amusement in his eyes.