The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

7.

"Esther, your back already. What did you forget this time?" Terrah asked

"I didn't get the right amount of raisins and flour," Esther said

"How much do you need?"

"1kg of flour and 0.5kg raisins," Esther looked at the paper

Terrah nodded and went to measure the flour and raisins. Esther looked around the market

The market filled with people walking around, going in and out of stores or passing by stalls. It was nice seeing people walking about, laughing and talking.

"Esther, here you go," Terrah placed the bags on the table

"Thank you, Terrah," Esther placed the exact amount on the table and grabbed the bags

Esther walked off, passing by stalls and people, but stopped at the newspaper stand. She bought today's newspaper and walked back to the cafe.
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"Dad, I'm home!" Esther yelled, walking into the cafe, scaring the customers, "Sorry," Esther apologize

She walked into the back, placing the bags on the table and setting the newspaper aside on a chair.

"Esther, did you get the remaining ingredients?" Nathaniel asked, walking into the kitchen

"Yeah, I also got the daily newspaper for you," Esther nodded to the newspaper

She fixed her hair and then washed her hands to get right to work on the baked goods that needed to be made.

"Thank you, birdy," Nathaniel kissed the side of her head and left the kitchen

Elliana and Esther are 20 years old. Esther is now a baker in the cafe after Nathaniel gave his approval. Elliana is a apprentice at Fabien's shop. When Fabian contacted Nathaniel of wanting Elliana to be his apprentice, Nathaniel was wary as he didn't want Elliana to be in danger, but after many persuasion and begging, Nathaniel gave in. Even it's been 4 years since Lukas and Anastasios left, Esther thinks about them now and then, but decided to live her own life and letting go of the hope of seeing them once again.
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"Dad, where's the newspaper?" Esther asked, looking for it

The cafe was closed and cleaned, but Esther likes reading the newspaper.

"Its underneath the counter," Nathaniel said, closing the refrigerator

Esther went to the counter and looked underneath it. She grabbed the newspaper after spotting it. She sat at a table and read the news.

'Prince Lukas is set to arrive back to Xiao in two days. His sister, Princess Olivia is preparing to become the next Queen, but the set date is unknown, but there have been rumors that Princess Olivia have been given training and lessons on ruling and she has been going in her mothers place to openings and gatherings....,'

'This prince has the same name as Lukas," Esther mumble, flipping through the paper, but stopped on a picture

The picture above is Prince Lukas attending a meeting in Lux. 'Why do they look the same?'

"Father! Esther! I'm home," Elliana yelled

"Elliana, your back. I thought you were staying late today," Nathaniel said, exiting the kitchen

"Not today. Jackson's grandparents are here today so he's spending time with them, but he did take me home," Elliana said, looking behind her

"Jackson, thank you for taking Elliana home while your grandparents are here," Nathaniel thanked Jackson

"It's no problem, Sir Nathaniel, but I have to get home right now. I'll come by this week to help around the cafe," Jackson said, opening the door behind him

"Be careful on your way home, Jackson and come by anytime," Nathaniel waved

Jackson said goodbye and left. Esther smirked at Elliana, making sure Nathaniel didn't notice her.

"Elliana, why does Jackson keep taking you home? Is there something I don't know?" Nathaniel asked, leaning on a chair

"Jackson is just a friend. He's been taking me home since the academy," Elliana reassured Nathaniel

"Okay, I just don't want you to get hurt and lessen your freedom once you get into a relationship," Nathaniel said

"Dad, being in a relationship doesn't mean my freedom will be lessen or I'll be held down," Elliana stated

Esther and Nathaniel were shocked. Elliana never called Nathaniel dad, only father. Esther looked at Nathaniel and he was staring at Elliana.

"Are you in love with him?" Nathaniel asked, Elliana jumped, her eyes wide open

"W-what! No!" Elliana exclaimed, her face turning red

"Elliana, you're lying," Nathaniel sternly said, "So, now answer my question. Are you in love with him? Or have a romantic interest?"

Elliana didn't say anything, looking away from Nathaniel. Esther decided to butt in to lessen the tension.

"Dad, you shouldn't be hard on Elliana. Even Jackson isn't a bad guy for Elliana. He helps around the cafe and is nice to us," Esther said, trying to reason

"Esther, do you understand that this issue is not about you? So, go to your room, so I can speak to your sister in private," Nathaniel said, looking at Esther

"But-,"

"Esther, I don't have the patience to deal with you today, so please go," Nathaniel demanded

"Wow, I'm being sent to my room at the age of 20," Esther mumble, leaving the room

Once Esther left, Nathaniel pulled a chair out.

"Take a seat, Elliana," Nathaniel said, sitting down in a chair

Elliana sat down, her hands in her lap, not looking at Nathaniel.

"Were you ever going to tell me?" Nathaniel asked

"Yes, but I've been putting it off. Jackson has been wanting to tell you, but I told him no everytime," Elliana stated, picking at her nail

"Elliana, can you look at me please?" Elliana didn't look, she was afraid, "Elliana, I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed and heartbroken that you would keep this to yourself. Your my little girl, my birdy. I always worry about you and your sister. And you, keeping this a secret from me, just adds more to the plate,"

"I'm sorry, dad. I-I didn't know what to do. We started out as partners in class and then I caught feelings for him. I just thought it was a small crush and it would go away, but it didn't," Elliana explained, tears welling in her eyes, "We got so close, dad. I didn't want to ruin my trust to you or set aside my goals, but Jackson dealt with it. He doesn't force me away from my goals, he helps me to achieve them,"

"You really do love him," Nathaniel blew out, a small smile on his face

"I do, but please don't make me break up with him. He cares for me and wants to make things right,"

"Elliana, I'm not going to make you break up him. I just want to have a conversation with him," Nathaniel stood up, "Even I can see the adoration in his eyes, but that isn't enough for me to accept his feelings for you,"

"Dad," Elliana whined

"And I need to get use to you calling me dad, but right now, I need help with cleaning the dishes,"