The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

20.

"Well, I didn't expect that," Esther said, looking at the cafe in front of them

"Well, I heard it's the best cafe in town," Anastasios grinned, pulling Esther along

"Welcome to Kat's cafe," One of the staff said, cleaning the table

"Esther, what are you doing in the line?" Esther and Anastasios looked over at Jackson, who was walking towards them

"We're on a date, so don't mind us," Anastasios said, glaring at Jackson

"Huh?" Jackson looked at Esther, smirking, "Well don't mind me. Continue on with your date," And he left

"What the hell, Anastasios!" Esther hit his shoulder, "Why would you say that?"

"Well, it's the truth," Anastasios said, grabbing her fist, "Even what's so wrong about us going on a date?"

"We aren't even dating and we don't have romantic feelings for each other," Esther said, taking her fist out of Anastasios hand and looked forward

Anastasios leaned down to her ear, "And what if I did? Would you still want me around?"

Esther didn't say anything and stared ahead. 'How could he just say that out of nowhere? Where did he get that confidence?'

"Hello, can I help you?" Rye asked, smirking at Esther

"I'll have the french toast special," Esther said, frowning at Rye

"I'll have a chocolate twister and the french toast special as well," Anastasios said, taking out his wallet

"Ana-," Anastasios handed a $20 to the cashier

Esther crossed her arms and glared at the counter. Anastasios grabbed Esther's hand and pulled her to a table. He pulled out a chair for her and Esther sat down, thanking him.

"Are you mad at me?" Anastasios asked, sitting down and setting the bags on the floor beside him

"I really don't know. I want to be mad at you, but at the same time I don't," Esther said, frowning

"I should apologize for what I did earlier," Anastasios said, scratching the back of his neck

"Do you really like me?" Esther asked, wanting to know the answer

"How do you want me to answer?"

"The truth,"

"And if I tell you the truth, will you also tell me the truth?" Anastasios negotiate

"Why are bringing me into this? But I'll answer if you answer truthfully," Esther shuffle in her seat

"I do like you, I have a crush on you," Anastasios said, staring at Esther

"Oh, wow," Esther looked away, staring at the table, "I have a crush on you also,"

"You know I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but here's your specials," Elliana said, setting the plates down

Esther face burned, but she looked to peek at Anastasios, who was still staring at her but his cheeks were a light pink.

"God, this is so embarrassing," Esther said, covering her face, "Even how could we confess our feelings so easily and in public?"

"I really don't know," Anastasios chuckled, he reached for Esther's hand and held hers in his, "I'm just happy to know your feelings and I feel relieved to tell you my feelings for you,"

"We should eat before the food gets cold," Esther took her hand out of his and grabbed a knife and fork to cut the french toast

It may be around 5pm, but French toast covered in hazelnut chocolate and strawberries with a side of sausage and bacon always hit the spot. Anastasios let out a laugh, but cut into the french toast.
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"Anastasios, be careful on your way home," Esther said as she stood on the top step

Anastasios looked up at her and smiled, "I'll be fine,"

"You better be," Esther said, smiling back

They stood there for a while until Nathaniel decided to butt in, "Esther, I need you inside. Say goodbye to your friend and come to the kitchen,"

"Okay, dad. I'll be there soon," Esther said, her cheeks burning, Nathaniel nodded and went back inside

"I'll be going now. You take care of the kitchen, Esther," Anastasios grabbed her hand and kissed the top of her hand, "I'll see you soon," And he left

Esther stood there for a while before going back inside and to the kitchen, where Nathaniel was leaning his back against a counter. Esther gulped as she had a bad feeling.

"So, are you going to tell me?" Nathaniel said, breaking the silence

"Tell you? What am I suppose to tell you?" Esther asked, confused

"You lied to me, Esther. Is our relationship based on lies?" Nathaniel looked up, eyeing her

"I didn't lie. I was out with Anastasios," Esther said, it was half the truth

"Who was that man you left with?"

"Wh-,"

"Esther, please don't lie to me. My patience and trust for you is running thin, so just tell me the truth," Nathaniel said, gritting his teeth

"His name is Israel and he's a royal advisor. I met with him because he wouldn't leave me alone, but I clearly told him that I want nothing to do with him," Esther explained

"Now, was it that hard, little bird?" Nathaniel smiled, but it dropped, "And you forgot your curfew. I clearly told you to be here by 2pm go help with the stop but you came later,"

"I'm sorry, Dad. Just so many things happened and I lost track of time, but I promise to make it up. I can take shorter breaks or not go out," Esther said, tossing ideas

"Anastasios brought you things, didn't he?"

"Yes, but I told him not to, but he didn't listen," Esther frown

"What did he buy for you?" Nathaniel asked, going to the oven

"A hat and dress. I also brought ribbons and chocolate with my own money," Esther replied

"He fancies you," Nathaniel said, staring at the croissants

"It doesn't mean anything, Dad. We just have crushes on each other and you know it can fade away," Esther said, trying to reassure him

"Esther, you don't have to feel bad about liking him. It happens. I mean look at your sister, it started with a crush and lead to a romantic relationship. I'm happy that she found someone, but it's a little heartbreaking to see her grow," Nathaniel looked over at Esther, "And now that your liking someone, I feel my heart breaking even more. You have been through so much and I only want you to be happy, but I don't want you out of your sight,"

"Dad," Esther choked, walking over to him

"I won't interfere with your love life, Esther, but always keep in mind that who ever wants to be with you is going to have a hard time dealing with me," Nathaniel pulled Esther into a hug

"I saw with Jackson, but I don't think I want to be in a romantic relationship," Esther said, laying her head on Nathaniels chest

"You may say that now, but fate has already outlined your life, little bird, but you can always make changes as it's up to you," Nathaniel kissed her head and pulled away, "Now, it's time for your punishment,"

"Huh? Punishment?"

"Yes, your going to clean the kitchen by yourself, but don't touch the ovens or the baked goods. I'll take care of that," Nathaniel patted her head and walked off with the tray

"Oh come on," Esther whined, "That was only one time,"

"And it can lead to many times," Nathaniel carefully took the croissants off the tray, "You should be cleaning or you'll be here all night,"

"Ugh!" Esther groan, but she was happy that everything was back to normal, but she has a feeling it's far from normal