My Foreign Prince

Chapter 11

"And he proceeded to say it was my fault!!!" I yelled out, almost making the maid drop the hairbrush she had been using for my hair. Yes, I was ranting about her prince in front of her. How could I not? Lizza was busy with preparations, André was, like me, prettying himself up for the dinner (not that he wouldn't be too busy anyway), and apparently talking with Shane messes with the royal image! I sighed and rubbed my temple after seeing the girl's awkward expression through the mirror "Sorry, Gilda... I'm just upset."

"It's alright, I am currently at your service, and you may use that in any way you please." The maid, who I had learned to be called 'Gilda' showed a half smile to my reflection before continuing to decorate my hair "It wouldn't be any good if you carried this aggravation with you during dinner."

I stared down at my lap, "No, I guess not..."

"Well, on the bright side," The maid began as she began styling my hair into a braided bun "That knight of yours will in fact be attending the dinner; the king wants both Belliak visitors to be present for the event. In fact, I sent him to the tailors almost immediately after Lady Elizabeth came to escort you. I doubt you'll be allowed to converse, but your chairs are right next to each other, so you'll at least be close."

Despite my sour mood, the news did make my painted rouge lips curl slightly "That does put my mind at ease..."

Smiling again, Gilda picked up a beaded hair ornament from the table and slipped it into my bun. "You're all done."

Knock knock.

"And not a minute too soon," she seemed to wipe some sweat from her brow as she moved towards the door. I hadn't realised how tight on time we were "My apologise, M'lady, I would have finished with you sooner if you weren't dragged off."

"Oh! T-That's not your fault, Gilda!" I insisted, my voice straining as I stood, as my corset moved and tightened around my frame with my movements "It was that spoiled brat and his unnecessary concern—,"

My words caught in my throat, as said boy was revealed as soon as Gilda opened the door. Crimson eyes met mine for a second, but I tore away from them before I stared any longer. How the heck was he able to change so fast?

At the corner of my eye, I noticed him extend an arm to me "The king requires that I present you to the nobles as my fiancé. Everybody else is waiting in the dining hall, so we best not stay tardy..."

My jaw clenched. It's like that conversation before never happened...

Gilda secretly sent me a smile as I walked past her. I tried to return it, but it only came out as a grimace. My hand placed itself on Alexei's arm, and immediately he began to lead me down the candle lit hallway. Not a word was spoken, which I was grateful for, but I doubt he wasn't at all fazed by my speaking ill of him.

"You..." I flinched at his hesitant, yet monotone voice as we neared the dining hall doors. My eyes flickered to the side to glance at him, but he was still focussed dead ahead. However, I did hear him swallow faintly when making out his words "...You clean up decently..."

My eyebrow twitched; was that his attempt at a compliment?

"And you clean up like a prince." I retorted behind clenched teeth. I hated how I was forced to be with him at a time like this, and on top of that exchange small talk with him.

Nothing else was said after that, but the awkwardness remained lingering until we stopped at the double doors. From the other side, I could hear king Albert giving a speech of some sorts to the guests that awaited, which for some reason made my heart begin to pound inside my chest. Behind that door we're many nobles, nobles that would be made aware that I would be their future queen, and the wife of their prince. So many things could go wrong as soon as those doors open...