The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

18.

"This is a... nice place," Israel said, sitting down while surveying the shop

"I always came here with my family on special occasions or when we felt like having ice cream or sweets," Esther said, smiling as she looked at the menu

"Should I wait after you order?" Israel asked

"No, it's fine. You can speak when you want too. I'm just looking," Esther looked up at him, giving him a smile then looked back at the menu

Israel placed his hand on the menu and lowered it, "If your not going to order then you should listen and focus on what I'm about to say,"

"Fine then," Esther let the menu lay on the table and focused on Israel, "You have my attention,"

"Good," Israel coughed to clear his throat, "I'm well known throughout the kingdom as I work alongside the King and Queen of Xiao, but it shouldn't matter in our relationship. I want to say that I'm sorry for acting like an 'arrogant bastard,'" Israel stared at Esther, emphasizing on 'arrogant bastard'

"Wow, you work for the King and Queen, that's something. Well, I should say I'm sorry as well, but I really didn't know who you were," Esther said, apologizing

"It's fine, but you can make it up to me by introducing yourself," Israel smiled

"Before that, how old are you?" Esther asked

"Why does my age matter?" Israel asked, frowning

"Well, you shouldn't be associating yourself with an young woman like me and I shouldn't associate myself with an older man who might be the same age as my father. It'll cause chaos," Esther explained

"It shouldn't matter as people should keep to themselves," Israel narrowed his eyes at her

"You avoided my question," Esther leaned forward, narrowing her eyes, " How old are you? This is the beginning to gain trust from me,"

"I'm 49," Israel answered

Esther burst out laughing, "You can't be serious. You're 49? What lotion or serum do you use?"

"You shouldn't laugh at a man's age," Israel glared at Esther

"I'm sorry, but it's hard to believe," Esther cover her mouth to stop her giggles

"Now, what about you? How old are you?"

"I'm 20," Esther answered, confidently

"Your 20? I expected you to be 23," Israel stared at Esther's face

"And you shouldn't tell an woman what you really think of her age based on her appearance," Esther glared at him

"Sorry, but I do what to know more about you,"

"Why are you intrigued about me? I don't remember leaving a lasting impression on you,"

"You could say I'm fascinated by you," Israel flat out said

Esther couldn't say anything, she was shocked and.. disgusted. She didn't like how this was going. How could a man who's 29 years older than her be fascinated by her?

"W-well, I'm moved that you think much of me, but I do-,"

"You resemble someone that I used to know of and I wanted to know if you could help me," Israel butted in

"Look Israel or royal advisor. I'm not the someone you're looking for. I'm just Esther, I'm my own person and you shouldn't be telling a person, you're fascinated by them," Esther stood, "It was nice meeting you but we should never meet or see each other ever again. Goodbye," Esther bowed and walked off, but Israel grabbed her hand

"You don't get to leave before I tell you to," Israel stated, standing behind her

"And you don't get to handle a woman like this," Esther tried to yank her hand out of his, but he tighten his hold

"Now, I want you to answer my question and I'll let you go, but you have to answer truthfully," Israel whispered in her ear

"No," Esther flat out said, stomping his foot, but he just pulled her closer to him

"You shouldn't do that, dear. I can ruin your life in a second, so listen to me carefully and you won't get hurt," Israel whispered

"Just ask already," Esther said, defeated. He was too strong for her

"Do you know Katherine Marie Lynch?" Israel asked, Esther froze, but shook her head, "That's not what your body's telling me, Esther," Israel chuckled

"Let go of me. I already told you. I don't know that woman," Esther tried to get out of his hold

"It's not nice to lie, Esther. Didn't your father or governess teach you manners?"

"I said to let go of me!" Esther stomped on his foot and elbowed his stomach to which he let go of her

Esther turned to face him as she walked away from him. He looked pissed. Esther turned around to run, but ran into a wall. But the wall wrapped their arms around her. 'Am I going to be manhandled all day? Or am I going to die?' Esther tried to get out but stopped when she heard their voice.

"Who are you to touch or speak to Esther like that?" It was Anastasios

"Thank you to whoever was listening or watching," Esther mumble, grateful

"And who are you to hold her like that?" Israel asked, the anger in his voice

"Esther, who is this man?" Anastasios back away a little to look down at her

"I'm her significant other, so you shouldn't be casually touching other mans woman," Israel stated, reaching for Esther

"Did I ask for your thought? No, I was asking for Esther's," Anastasios glared at him

"Let's just go, Anastasios," Esther pushed him back to get him to move

"Esther, is he really your signficant other?" Anastasios asked, stopping

"No, now start walking before we get into more trouble," Esther said, pushing him back

Anastasios didn't have to be asked twice as he turned the other way, grabbing Esther's hand, walking off away from Israel.
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"So, that man isn't your significant other or fiance, right?" Anastasios asked for nth time

"No, he isn't, Anastasios. Now, stop asking that. I don't want to be reminded of him," Esther shivered just at the thought of him

"What did he do to you?" Anastasios asked, watching Esther carefully

"He thought I was someone that he knew," Esther answered, staring at her hands

"Why would he think that? You can't be that similar to that other person,"

"I don't want to talk other it," Esther sighed, hiding her face in her hands

"Then can we talk about how you lied to your father about meeting up with me," Anastasios said, leaning back

"Oh god, I forgot about that," Esther groan, rubbing her face

"So, why did you lie?" Anastasios asked, staring at her

"I wanted to know why he's been following me and that was the only way to go with him, but now I regret it,"

"Well, since were out. Let's explore the city and have fun," Anastasios said, standing up, holding out his hand to her

"Let's do that," Esther grabbed his hand and stood