The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

28.

"Oh why, oh why! Does this have to happened?" Esther cried as she saw the invite

"What's wrong?" Jackson asked, looking at the invite

"I can't go, but I have too," Esther said, setting the invite down

"Who is it from?" Elliana asked, pushing in a chair

"Princess Olivia," Jackson beat Esther to it

"Huh? Why all of a sudden?' Elliana asked, walking over to Esther

"I dont know, but I have to go. I can't disobey a royal," Esther said, rubbing her face

"Well, you can reschedule it," Elliana said, "Its appropriate. You can send a letter to her stating that your feeling ill and cant go,"

"Elliana, she's the princess. She could have guards come and check if shes really ill," Jackson recounter her

"Its fine, Elliana. I'm going to go even it's on a Thursday which is 3 days away," Esther said, a smile resting on her face

"Esther, but what if you encounter King Oslo?" Elliana asked

"I don't know what's going to happen, but we can just pray and hope, I don't see him," Esther walked behind the counter and to the register

"Do you think dad is going to allow you?" Elliana asked

"He's going to have too. We can't go against the royals,"

"Okay fine, but we should go shopping 'cause I need to release all this anxiety," Elliana shook her hands and walked off

"Your going to be broke, Jacky," Esther stated, looking over at him

"I'm going to help her find a better way to release her stress and anxiety before we go broke," Jackson sighed, "Let's hope that Nathaniel will let you go," And he walked off
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"No," Nathaniel said as he placed the invite down

"Why not?" Esther asked

"Esther, why wasn't your sister invited? It's clearly a trap,"

"What if it isn't a trap? Even Elliana did go to a tea party at the castle, didn't she tell you?"

"No, she didn't," Nathaniel turned around to look at Elliana, who was drawing in her sketchbook, "Elliana, did you go to the castle to see Princess Olivia?"

Elliana stopped and slowly looked up at Nathaniel, "And if I did?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Nathaniel asked, betrayed

"There were ladies there so I wasn't alone and she didn't ask much of me," Elliana explained

"Elliana, you should've told me, but I'll let it go," Nathaniel sighed, "Esther, do you really want to go?"

"Yes. I know I shouldn't be in the same place as that man, but I want to know why Princess Olivia wants to meet me,"

"Fine then," Nathaniel let out a breath, "You can go, but you need a new dress, so you and Elliana will go shopping before the tea party,"

"Yes!" Elliana squealed, jumping

"Now, let's get cleaning and Jackson, you can go home after the cafe is cleaned," Nathaniel stood up and walked towards the kitchen
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"Elliana, I'm just going to have tea with Princess Olivia. I don't need to try all these dresses on," Esther complained

"Esther, it's Princess Olivia. You need to leave a good impression on her," Elliana stated, shoving Esther dresses

"Ugh!" Esther went into the changing room and tried on the dresses

Esther and Elliana left with few outfits and went back to the cafe.
♧♧♧♧♧♧

'Dear Esther,

I heard that you were going to the palace to meet with Princess Olivia. I know I don't have a say in this, but I do hope you keep away from King Oslo. Aside from that, I have good news. I heard from my father and advisors that we'll be returning to Xiao. I'm planning to spend time with you, so you better have time to spare for me. I do hope you and your family is fine and well. Please keep away from King Oslo.

I adore you, Esther.'

Esther smiled at the letter and took out a plain paper and wrote to Anastasios.

'Dear Anastasios,

My family and I are doing well. I also hope you and your family are doing well. I know you hate the idea of me going to the palace knowing that King Oslo is there, but I have to go. I can't deny Princess Olivia's request and I'm glad that she wants to meet with me. So, please trust me, Anastasios. And to your good news, I'll make sure to spare time with you as... I miss you and want to spend all my time with you...,'

"Oh god, what did I just write?" Esther blushed as she stared at what she wrote, "What's done is done,"

'...Please take care of yourself. I do hope to see you soon.

I adore you, Anastasios.'

Esther slipped the paper into a envelope after folding it, she stamped it in the back and walked out of the room and down stairs.

"Dad, I'm going to the postal office. Do you want me to get anything on the way?" Esther asked as she walked into the kitchen

"Who's going with you?" Nathaniel asked, looking up from kneading the dough

"No one. I'm just going to the postal office and then back, but I can get anything you need,"

"You promise you'll come back and forth, right?" Nathaniel sighed

"Yes even you didn't make a great deal about it until now," Esther said, confused

"Esther, you don't understand that man can be out and you wont be able to see him. I'm just worried,"

"I know, dad, but I can protect myself. I promise I'll just go and come back, no stopping,"

"Okay, I trust you," Nathaniel kissed her forehead

"Thank you. I'll be right back," Esther kissed his cheek and dashed out of the cafe

She walked to the postal office, giving them the letter and walked back home. Not knowing that someone was stalking her.