The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

13.

"This shouldn't be happening," Elliana said, staring at the occupied table

"Well, it is," Esther said, also staring at the table

Duchess Kila was sitting in the cafe with her son, Kailum. They came unannounced and took them by surprise.

"The bad thing is that father isn't here," Elliana stated, biting her thumb nail

"Of all days, he decides to leave, they come," Esther groan

"Hey at least, were getting more business even I gotta go. The tables await me," Elliana said dramatically, walking away

Esther laughed and attended the register, but also going into the back to check on the kitchen to make sure the chef and attendants were doing their job. Their cafe served lunch, but it wasn't extravagant, just simple foods that cost cheap.

"Excuse me," The bell rang and a voice called out

Esther walked out and attended to the customer, "Sorry for the wait. What can I get you?" Esther smiled

"It's fine. Can I get the egg, bacon, and sausage biscuit and a apple tart," He asked, giving her a smile

"Yes, that'll be $3.40," Esther went to packaged the apple tart and tell the kitchen staff of the biscuit

"Sorry," Esther grabbed the money and placed it in the register while giving him his money back, "You can wait at the table and we'll bring it out,"

"Uh, I'll just wait here as I have to leave soon," He said, apologetic

"Oh, it's fine. I'll make sure to make it to go," Esther said, giving him a smile and walking to the back to tell them

Esther went back to take the orders of the customers. The take out order for the man came out and Esther handed it to him.

"Here you are. I hope you come by again," Esther said, then going to a customer

She couldn't get his eyes out of her head. She knew those eyes, those crazed blue eyes. 'How did he find me? I just hope he doesn't come back.'
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"So, how was it today?" Nathaniel asked, sitting at the table the girls were at

"Stressful," Elliana groan, laying her head on the table

"Well, I'm sorry for leaving the both of you, but I had to deal with something important," Nathaniel said, undoing his tie

"What was this 'something important'?" Esther asked

"Nothing for you to know. You nosey little girl," Nathaniel ruffled her hair, standing up, "I'm going to clean the kitchen. The both of you can get some rest,"

"Are you sure? We can still help," Elliana said, raising her head

"It's fine, Elliana. You and Esther get some rest," Nathaniel patted her shoulder

Elliana nodded, stood up from her chair and kissed Nathaniels cheek before walking to the stairs. Esther stood up too and hugged Nathaniel goodbye before leaving to her bedroom.

Nathaniel let out a sigh and walked to the kitchen. He took off his coat and placed it on a chair. He walked off to the sink and started to wash. He thought back to the meeting. He met with his father as Duke Walden wished to see him and talk.
~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm shocked that you would come to meet me," Walden stated, sitting straighter

"I only came so you wouldn't bother me in the future," Nathaniel sat down

"I'm sorry, Nathaniel," Walden burst out, taking Nathaniel by surprise

"Why would you say that? You don't have anything to be sorry about since I'm not your son anymore," Nathaniel stated

"I'm sorry for what I have done to you. I'm sorry for disowning you once I found out about my granddaughters and that you were married. I just- It wasn't easy, Nathaniel," Walden let out a sigh

"Oh so now you recognize them as your granddaughters. What happened to them being bastards? I don't like that word," Nathaniel shaked his head, "But that's beside the fact, why wasn't it easy? It was easy for you to marry Kila despite her being a commoner,"

"You're right about that, but I thought you would've learned from my mistakes,"

"Let me tell you, my marriage wasn't a mistake. It was something memorable and precious to me," Nathaniel said, a small smile appearing

"If you don't mind me asking, how did she pass away?" Walden asked

"I'm surprised you want to know, but first I want to know why your being like this," Nathaniel narrow his eyes

"Nat-,"

"No lying, not trying to stall. I want the truth," Nathaniel shook his hand, "Did someone bride you?"

"You could say that, but I've been wanting to contact you, Nathaniel. To fix our relationship. What I did and how I acted to you wasn't right and I want to make up for that," Walden announced

"I need to know who bride you before I- we can refix our relationship," Nathaniel stated

"Why is this person so important, Nathaniel?"

"Please tell me. If its Queen Kana then you should stay away from me and never see me again," Nathaniel stood

"Nathaniel, what is happening? Why does Queen Kana want to speak to you? Did you do something to make her your enemy?" Walden asked, afraid

"Its nothing. Now, when did she ask you to look for me?" Nathaniel asked, wanting to know

"It was many years ago. She gave up when I didn't gave information on you or knew where you were at," Walden answered

"Thank god, but you can't associate yourself with me. I can't have my daughters in any danger,"  Nathaniel said, standing from his chair

"Where are you going, Nathaniel?" Walden asked, standing as well

"There's nothing else to discuss even I have to get back to my daughters," Nathaniel buttoned up his jacket

"I'll make a proposition with you, just for you to keep in contact with me," Walden blurted

"Why are you so- persistent for you to keep in contact with me?" Nathaniel asked, a little frustrated

"Nathaniel, I regret everything. I missed my granddaughters growing up because of my selfishness. I want to fix everything,"

"How are you going to fix everything? It's not that easy even were fine, so don't bother doing anything,"

"I'll make you a Duke and your daughters Marchioness or Ladies," Walden stated

"Father, you do know that you disown me so it'll tarnish your name if you reclaim me your son,"

"I'm willing to let that happen, but please think this over,"
~~~~~~~~~~~

"What should I do?" Nathaniel let out a breath, leaning against the sink