Caught Between (If Roses Are Red #1)

Chapter 28

I'm so exhausted.

The Royal chef really did a good job with the food. I had ordered him to prepare Lilaria finest cuisines and some French dishes. The tables were overflowing with delicious food. The hall was elaborately decorated and the national flags were up. The chandeliers, lit and bright, danced light across the room. The minstrel had put up their instruments by a corner. Some books were arranged in another.

Who knew what the Prince would like? I fanned my sweaty self.

11:40am.

At least it was all done before noon.

"Anna, you need to get dressed." Mara reminded.

"I know, I know. I could use a little sleep though."

The other maids dragged me to my room and bathed me. For the first time I'm glad I don't have to bathe myself. I'm so tired, mentally and physically. Who knew organizing took so much strength?

I wore a baby blue floor length gown and had my hair pinned to the side in a bun.

"He is here." Mara hissed.

My eyes went wide and I hurried out of the house and drove in my car to the hall. The Dowager is the best. She gave me a car for my birthday. When I arrived, a young man in tailored black suit stood waiting. His black hair had been gelled back. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I am so sorry." I said to him as I got down from the car.

He trained his chocolate brown eyes on me, taking me in. He could not possibly be much older than I was. His apple scented cologne hit me as I drew closer.

"Crown Princess Annabelle at your service." I said breathless and courtsied.

"Crown Prince Louis." He bowed.

"Shall we?" I gestured to the hall. He nodded and followed.

Months and months of training came to me as I led him in. I waited for him to sit before I did.

"You must be tired and hungry after your long journey." I started placing a fake smile on my face.

"Ah yes." His French accent announced itself. I had to keep myself from swooning. I think I like French guys now.

The minstrel had begun. They played a sweet slow music. The maids open the dishes and savory aroma filled the room.

"Please join me." I said as the maids served us. We are in silence. Very awkward silence. Mara was not helping either. She was shaking her head in disappointment.

I place a clam on my plate and try to pry it open, and then something hot sprayed on my face. "Ah fuck!"

Everyone paused. Mara almost fainted. The minstrel stopped their music. Even Prince Louis looked at me surprised.

"Um-I -I mean, oh that was bad." I say in a little voice.

A snort came from the Prince. He looked like he was trying to keep himself from laughing. His mouth twitched and his face turned a little red.

His funny demeanor made me giggle. Soon we were laughing like two maniacs pointing at each other.

"Your face." He said quietly as the laughter died down. I hurriedly wiped at it. "You missed a spot." He gestured to my chin.

"Thank you."

"No problem. You know, I was expecting someone much reserved and stoic."

"Really?" I asked bewildered.