A Different Definition of Tragedy

Hiding From the Problems: Chapter 4

Just as Aurora was late to the introduction of her suitors, she was late for dinner. Her mother kept a nervous smile on her face, while she tapped her foot rapidly under the table.

"I'm so sorry." She apologized for the ninth time. "She's never been late before."

"Now she's late twice in a single day." Abner muttered. The doors opened to reveal Aurora with a smug grin. She sat down in her normal spot, and the food was rushed in, signaling the start of dinner. The only noise that could be heard was the clanking of silverware, and the occasional "please pass the..." or "thank you." Matthias was the first to break the ice, of course.

"You have a beautiful palace, King Abner."

"You can thank my wife for that." King Abner motioned to the queen. "She makes everything perfect." Matthias turned to the queen with an award-winning smile.

"You do a wonderful job, Queen Clarissa." The queen smiled shyly.

"Thank you." She humbly replied.

"The gardens are especially beautiful." He added looking at Aurora over the rim of his cup. Aurora narrowed her eyes at him, understanding his secret meaning of when they ran into each other in the garden. She returned to her food, no one noticed the silent exchange.

"Ah yes, I love the gardens too." The queen ignorantly continued. "However, I'm not very knowledgeable about botany," She paused looking at Aurora who was very interested in her plate. "The princess knows everything about it." Queen Clarissa motioned to Aurora, forcing her to be a part of the conversation. Matthias' eyes sparkled; he leaned forward resting his elbows on the table.

"Is that so?" Aurora looked up frowning at it showing that she did not want to be dragged in. That only encouraged Prince Matthias. Aurora turned to her mother.

"Mother, no one wants to listen to someone drone on about flowers." Aurora tried to dismiss the conversation.

"I'm afraid you are wrong, princess, I would love to listen." Matthias gave a mischievous grin toward Aurora which she rolled her eyes at. She would not entertain his little game.

"As would I." Lord Caryle piped up. Aurora looked over at him with a cold stare, but he didn't notice. He was too caught up in the idea. "I'm quite interested, and I would love to know." He enthusiastically told the table.

"I'll give you a tour tomorrow." Aurora quickly replied. Matthias thought for a moment but was interrupted by Lord Carlye.

"Excellent idea! That will be much better!" He then turned to the person by him and talked to them about all the kinds of plants he had seen. Aurora watched the excited lord pleased that the conversation had been dropped, as much as she hated polite conversation it could also be extremely useful. She returned back to her food, she didn't actually plan to give a tour she would order some gardener to do it for her. Lord Carlyle would be fine, all he cared about were the plants. She didn't care if he was disappointed that he wouldn't be going with her.

"Would you still like to join, Prince Matthias?" She asked in an overly sweet tone not looking up at him. Prince Matthias sat there fighting off a scowl.

"No, thank you." He politely declined holding out his hand, palm towards Aurora. It was quiet again.

"Prince Malcolm, how is your father?" King Abner asked with honest curiosity.

"He's doing much better. He's regained feeling in his body and is working on walking. His mood has greatly lifted." He answered regally. The king gave a pleased nod.

"How wonderful." Queen Clarissa gushed. "We'll have to have him come visit when he is well enough." Prince Malcolm nodded solemnly, he turned to Aurora his expression softening. He had known the princess since they were children. They were never really friends, in Aurora's eyes at least, but they had played together.