The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

29.

"She sent a carriage?" Elliana said, staring at the carriage, "She couldn't have sent a car? I mean your a guest and I know they have more cars than the city,"

"At least I don't have to walk there or Dad ordering a carriage to take me. Any transportation is fine with me as long as it's free," Esther said, fixing her sleeves

"You look fine, Esther. But come here, the hat is crooked," Elliana helped fix the hat

"Esther, be careful when your there," Nathanaiel said, walking towards them, "I trust you, but i don't trust the man there,"

"I know, Dad. I'll stay close to Princess Olivia until its time to leave," Esther told him, "I'll try to contact you when I get there and when I'm about to leave,"

"Okay, just be careful," Nathaniel kissed her forehead, "Go before I change my mind,"

"Love you, dad," Esther kissed his cheek, "Bye Elliana!"

Esther walked out of the cafe and down the steps to the carriage. She got in with the help of the driver. The driver got into his seat and 'hiyah' the horse and rode off to the palace.
-----------

"Princesa Olivia will be here shortly," The maid said, bowed and left

Esther thanked her and walked around the room. The walls were a beige color with paintings of previous rulers with their families. The room was fully decorated with the center table filled with pastries and tea. Esther admired the paintings until she stop in front of a painting with a family of six, sitting in the fields. 'King Julian and the royal family.' Esther furrowed her eyebrows. 'Didn't King Julian only have 3 children? Wait... Mom was King Julian's illegitimate daughter.' Esther looked closer and spotted a black haired girl sitting in the corner of the blanket.

"If you'll like, I can show you better paintings and pictures of King Julian and his family," Esther jumped and turned around to see Princess Olivia standing there with papers in her arms

"Let me help you with that," Esther said, running over to Olivia

"It's fine," Olivia walked to the table and placed the papers on the table, "I like your dress, Esther. Where did you get it from?"

"Oh from Liv's boutique," Esther looked down at her dress then at Olivia's outfit

"Sorry for my outfit today. I wanted a break from dresses," Olivia apologized

"Oh, no need to apologize, Princess Olivia," Esther shook her hand, "I was going to say that your outfit looks perfect on you,"

"Really? Its not too much maroon," Olivia asked

Princess Olivia was wearing a maroon turleneck with a maroon checkered high waisted skirt. While Esther wore a white dress that stopped at mid leg, the sleeves puffy and stopped just below her elbow with the hat she got from Anastasios.

"Oh no, it's a good amount and it looks well together," Esther assured her

"Thank you. I've been trying to find a way to wear these clothes so I decided to wear them together,"

"Well, you did a wonderful job at that," Esther clapped

"Thank you. Now, I know you're probably wondering why I called you here and why there's no other ladies with us,"

"You're right about that,"

"I know who you are. Not just your name and family, but your hidden identity," Olivia said, deeply staring at Esther

"W-what? My hidden identity? I don't have anything to hide about," Esther said, confused and scared

"Your mother is Queen Katherine, the illegitimate child of King Julian," Olivia said, crossing her arms, "I never thought Queen Katherine had a child in fact two, but I was mistaken,"

"You're mistaken. I'm no daughter of a royal," Esther lied

"No need to lie, Esther," Olivia walked over to Esther, "I know everything. Remember I'm the Princess," She whispered, causing Esther to freeze

"I don't want anything, not the crown, title or throne. Just please keep this a secret," Esther begged

"It is a secret. My parents don't know anything, surprising," Olivia shrugged her shoulders, "They stopped worrying about Katherine when she was killed, but something doesn't sit right with me,"

"What do you want from me?" Esther asked

"Come with me," Olivia intertwined her arms with Esthers and walked out of the room

Olivia kept a tight grip on Esther as they walked through the halls. Olivia stopped in front of a door and looked around before opening the door and pushing Esther in, closing the door behind her.

"This room holds the history of the Xiao rulers even paintings and pictures of them," Olivia walked to a shelve, Esther following her

Olivia took a container out and placed it on a table, she opened it and looked at Esther, "Look and you'll find your answers,"

Esther hesitated, but looked into the box and took out a journal. Opening the cover, she saw scribbed in the cover, 'Katherine Marie Lynch'.

"Is this all Queen Katherine's?" Esther asked, looking up at Olivia

"No, there's more. Even come over here," Olivia motioned Esther over to her

Esther walked over to her. Olivia yanked a drape off the item and it was a painting. Olivia picked it up and placed it on the table.

"Meet Queen Katherine II of Xiao," Olivia said

Esther stared at the painting. 'This was my mom.'

"There are other pictures of when she was living in the palace with King Julian and his family,"

"Why are you telling me this?" Esther asked, looking over at her

"I have a proposal for you that allows you to take ownership of your mothers belonging, but you'll have to do something for me," Olivia explained

"Why are you doing this? All of this is property of the Queen and King," Esther asked

"Do you not want to know anything of your mother and her life when growing up and ruling Xiao," Olivia taunted

"How do I know you'll keep to your word?" Esther asked

Olivia placed a envelope on the table, "Will a contract make you feel safe?"

"Y-you've already made a contract when I haven't agreed and you haven't told me your condition," Esther said, shocked

"Marry my betrothed, that is my one condition,"