Yours Truly

Chapter 8

- two weeks later -

Matthew looked at the mirror for the hundredth time as he spritz musk on his clothes and buttoned up his white shirt, thinking about the eventful week that passed. He had learnt a lot about the administration of Cyrail, spending time with Dante and other kings that were guests in the Palace of Celio. He also took part in the two meetings that were held. He noted many points regarding war tactics from the Western Kings and how public support is important for strengthening the country from the Eastern ones. This place had really groomed him in a very short time.

He combed his hair before looking about of the window, looking at the sun retire behind the hills of Cyrail, with hues of Crimson and gold scattering on the whole country. Indeed, the country had a charm of its own.

When the word charm clicked in his mind. Another person clicked his mind.

Patricia.

The name didn't suit her but he liked the way it rolled on his tongue.

She was certainly the most hyperactive girl he had ever seen. She was like wild fire spreading throughout the forest with a twinkle of an eye, enveloping and influencing everything that came in her path. She was skilled in archery and sword fighting which fascinated him but not only that she was a great cook and a florist too, it seemed like everyone in Cyrail knew her and loved her.

Then thoughts of Ophelia entered his mind, his smile slowly faded away.

The Cyrailic maiden was completely opposite his deceased wife. If Ophelia was a dove, innocent and naive. Patricia was a like an eagle, sharp, strong and protective.

Matthew sighed, none of them was written in his fate perhaps. He was finally about to meet the mystery woman,

The Princess of Cyrail.

He had never seen her in the Palace, she was always out for a reason or another and when night fell, he was told that she retired to bed.

But today Cyrail celebrated her birthday.

He didn't see her their either.

Was she avoiding him all the time?

And now the Dante Celio had a small masquerade party arranged in the Palace.

He is pretty sure that he would meet her tonight.

xxxxx

Three hours flew by,

Where was the Princess?

He was getting impatient, his ego was at stake. He came all the way from Jevanna to meet a lady and what if she declares at the last moment that she is not interested in seeing him?

He sipped the orange juice that sparkled under the chandelier's light.

Suddenly the lights dimmed and talks became soft murmurings as they looked at someone walking down the red carpeted staircase.

There she was.

Wearing a dark blue gown adorned with small sequences that dazzled in the under dim lights, as if she wore the night sky on her frame so elegantly. Her eyes covered with a dainty blue mask.

"Ah, Jenavive my child there she is." The King of Cyrail smiled proudly. He kissed his daughter's head affectionately when she stood besides him. What Matthew noticed was that she was looking for someone. A small framed young lady hurried and stood besides her, She wasn't wearing a mask yet until the Princess smiled and gave her one. She was the maid who had caught Joseph's eyes.

Speaking of Joseph, where was he?

He stood with a company of butlers, but of course it was his habit to. Matthew frowned and went to him, dragging him with him.