The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

14.

"So...," Esther draw out, staring at Nathaniel, "What did you want to tell us?"

"I'm still trying to wrap my head around the issue, but I need to get your thoughts on this issue," Nathaniel sighed, rubbing his face

"What's the issue? It's not something bad, right?" Elliana asked, worried

"Its not something bad, but it's a important matter,"

"What's this 'matter'?" Elliana asked

"As you know, I went out last Tuesday to meet with someone, but this someone was my father. He made a proposition,"

"What was the proposition?" Esther asked

"My father would give me my title back, but as a Duke and will also give the both of you titles as Marchioness or Lady," Nathaniel stated

"Oh," Esther and Elliana said, shocked

"What are you thinking of doing, Father?" Elliana asked

"That's why I want your thoughts. Would you want the titles?" Nathaniel asked

"What would the titles benefit? Were living perfectly like other noble families," Esther asked, curious

"You'll be able to marry someone from a noble family like Elliana. Jackson is a from a Noble family and he'll become a Count once he gains recognition from his own father,"

"Well that's a advantage," Esther mumble

"I don't your answers now. I want the both of you to think about this because once I accept my father's proposition," Nathaniel stated, rubbing his cheek

"You still didn't answer my question. Do you want your title back?" Elliana asked

"If I'm being honest, I do want my title back, but-,"

"That's all we need to know," Elliana said, looking at Esther, "I guess were becoming a Lady,"

"H-hey, wait," Nathaniel tried to butt in

"Lady Esther Rochester," Esther said, "has a nice tone to it,"

"Lady Elliana Rochester," Elliana nodded

"Why would you agree so quickly?" Nathaniel asked, baffled

"You want your title back, dad and we already have titles since we were born," Elliana said, "Princess Elliana and Princess Esther,"

"Oh god," Nathaniel mumble

"Even were going to need to get used to noble life, but once we become nobles, we better still have the cafe," Esther stated

"The both of you are something, but I'm glad your my something," Nathaniel got up and pulled the twins into a hug

"Were glad to have you as our dad," Elliana said, hugging him. Esther hugged as well
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"Hey, Essy," Esther groan

Jackson chuckled and walked behind the counter

"And who gave you permission to walk behind the counter?" Esther looked at him suspicious

"Hey, I'm here to help. Now, get going," Jackson shooed her away, "The ingredients needed isn't going to get themselves,"

"Yeah, yeah. Even this is my only chance to go out so bye," Esther grabbed her bag and basket and left before shouting goodbye to Nathaniel

Esther walked around the market, buying and looking at items. It was true that going out to buy the necessary items was her way out of the house, so she couldn't take it for granted.

"Ah, Esther, is that you?" Esther turned around and saw it was the blue eye crazed man

"Oh, uh, hello? How do you know my name?" Esther asked, clutching the basket

"Oh, my apologies. I heard people speak your name. Please forgive me for acting out of line," He bowed

"Oh, please don't bow, but I can forgive you if you tell me your name,"

"I'm... Israel," He said, holding out his hand

"Esther," Esther shook his hand

"Nice to meet you, Esther," Israel smiled, but Esther pulled her hand out of his

"Well, it was nice meeting you, but I have to continue shopping," Esther said, holding the list and walked away

"H-hey, wait! I can help if you want. I don't mind," He jogged up to her

"No, its fine. You might have important issues to attend too," Esther continued to walk, trying to find the next item on the list

"I don't really mind even the basket looks a little heavy. I don't want to see you get hurt," He explained, motioning to the basket

"I've done this multiple times, so I'm accustomed to the weight," Esther said, but she was struggling

"You're a bad liar. I can practically see your arms trembling, so I'll take that from you," Israel grabbed the basket from Esther

"H-hey, I told you I didn't need your help," Esther reached for the basket, but a hand grabbed her wrist

"I said it doesn't bother me, but it does bother me to see a woman carrying a heavy basket by herself with no help," Israel stated, letting go of her wrist, "Now, where to?"

"Your a odd man," Esther said, walking off with Isreal in tow

"Can I ask who owns the cafe?" Israel asked

"My father owns it, but I'm hoping for it to be my own as well," Esther said, surveying the apples

"Wh-,"

"Please forgive me, but why are you so interested in me and the cafe. For all I know is your name, so what are you?" Esther asked, looking at him

"I'm surprised you don't know who I am, actually,"

"Am I suppose to know who you are?" Esther cocked her head

"Well, um, yes. I'm very well known," Israel boasted

"Well sorry to burst your luck, I don't," Esther reached for the basket and took it away from him, "It was nice meeting you, Israel, but I don't do well with strangers,"

"W-wait! I didn't mean to act like that. Please forgive me," Israel caught up with Esther, grabbing her hand

"Look, I don't know who you are. Now, if you excuse me, I have to go back to shopping, so don't bother me anymore," Esther yanked her hand out of his and walked away
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"What took you so long?" Nathaniel asked, watching as Esther organized the items

"I got distracted," Esther said, opening the refrigerator

"Nothing happened, right?" Nathaniel asked, noticing Esther's gaze looking towards the door

"Nothing happened. I just gotta hurry and help in the front," Esther stated

"Okay,"

Esther let out a breath and couldn't shake off the fear of someone watching her. 'I gotta stay away from that blue eyed creep.'