The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

32.

"I'm surprised you called for me so late," Esther stated, walking into the beige room

"I just thought you needed time to think and I hope you did," Olivia said, smiling

"Before I get myself caught up in this mess, I need to know how everything is going to work. How will I receive my mother's belongings and get custody of it? And how am I suppose to meet your betroth?" Esther asked, standing behind a chair, her hand resting on it

"An apartment will be filled with your mothers belongings and you'll receive a key to it and I'll make sure no one knows about the apartment," Olivia explained, "And for my betroth..., you'll meet him at a party, that will happen soon,"

"A party? Why a party?" Esther asked

"Prince Anastasios is coming back to Xiao, so my parents are preparing a party for his returning," Olivia explained

"Will you introduce me to James or do I have to introduce myself?"

"Don't worry about that. I'll have that planned out,"

"Will my sister be able to come? And my father?"

"That's the problem right there. I can only invite a certain amount of people, so only your sister and you can come,"

"I think that'll be better," Esther bit her lip

"Good. Now, here's the contract," Olivia set the contract on the table and slid it to Esther

Esther stared at the contract. She picked it up and read through it. Olivia placed a pen on the table, looking at Esther then walking away. Esther set the contract down. She thought of the ups and downs, but mostly of the downs. 'This is for my mothers legacy and for my family's safe and happy life even if I have to destroy mine.' Esther picked up the pen and signed her name, knowing the damage she caused is permanent.

"You picked the right choice, Esther," Olivia picked the contract up and held out her hand

Esther shook her hand, "So, what happens now?"

"Here," Olivia handed her a packet, Esther grabbed it

"What is this?"

"Information on James and of the Harris Dukedom," Olivia explained, stamping the contract

"Can I get journals of my mothers?" Esther asked, putting the packet into her bag

"Of course," Olivia walked to a cabinet, taking out a key and unlocking it

She walked back with 3 journals and placed it on the table, "A compensation for signing the contract. I'll be sure to send the rest of her stuff to the apartment,"

"Wait, I forgot to ask. Will you be paying the rent for the apartment?" Esther asked

"Of course. I'm not that mean. Now, since you're going to meet my betroth, you'll need a dress,"

"What? No, I don't need a dress. I have plenty of them, so its fine," Esther reassured her

"If your going to meet my betroth then you need to be dressed properly and elegant," Olivia said, staring at Esthers outfit

"Whats so wrong with my outfit even for the party, I'll make sure to wear a reasonable dress,"

"I still won't take it. Were going to a party and your meeting my betroth, so you have to leave a good impression on him,"

Esther was about to speak, but Olivia cut her off, "Lets not argue anymore," Olivia grabbed a bell and rang it

A maid came inside, bowing and walking over to Esther.

"Wait, whats going on?" Esther asked as the maid took out a measuring tape

"Letha, here. Is going to take your measurements so a dress can be made for you," Olivia explained

"Olivia, please,"

"Its only right for me to do this, Esther. You are helping me with my freedom,"

"Its for my mothers legacy and my family's future," Esther stated

"Oh and here's the invitations for your and your sister. Your brother in law won't be attending, so it'll just be the two of you," Olivia handed her two invites

"Okay," Esther grabbed the invites, waiting for the maid to be done so she can place it in her bag

"I'm done, your highness," The maid bowed, moving back

"Good, take that to the seamstress and tell her I'll be there shortly," Olivia told her, the maid nodded and left, "Esther, i hope you know your way out. I'll see you soon," Olivia smiled and walked out of  the room

Esther let out a breath, grabbed her bag and left the room. She just wanted to get out of there, but luck wasn't on her side.

"Excuse me?" Esther stopped and turned around

There stood Queen Kana, she didn't look well. Bags underneath her eyes, her skin sickly pale, a faint bruise on her neck.

"Greetings, your majesty," Esther crusty

"What are you doing here?" Kana asked

"Oh, Princess Olivia called for me, but I'm on my way leaving,"

Kana stared at her then turned around and walked off. Esther stared as she left, but left also.
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Nathaniel watched as Esther walked into the cafe, announcing her return. He watched as she walked up the stairs and disappeared. He noticed how she would hold her bag close to her.

"Somethings going on," Nathaniel mumble

"You are right about that," Jackson said, leaning on the counter

"You also think so too?"

"Of course I do. Its weird that Esther is the only one going to see Princess Olivia and ever since she came from the palace, she hasn't been the same," Jackson stated

"It seems she's hiding something," Nathaniel looked over at him

"I'll tell you what I can find out. She'll probably tell Elliana,"

"No, I'll wait until she tells me," Nathaniel shook his head

"I just wonder whats so important to keep it a secret?" Jackson said, rubbing his chin while watching as Esther walked into the cafe

"Well find out sooner or later. She'll be the one to tell us," Nathaniel sighed, knowing it was the only choice
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"Princess Olivia gave you two invitations for the party of Anastasios," Nathaniel said, staring at the invites

"Yes. She could only invite me and Elliana. I tried to ask for 2 more invites, but she couldn't,"

"Well, it can't be help since they can only invite a limited amount of people,"

"But, I'm surprised that Princess Olivia invited me," Elliana said, shocked

"Well, she saw your true self and knew that she could trust you," Esther smiled

"Well, I'm shocked, but well need to find a gown," Elliana said, smiling, looking at the invite

Esthers smile dropped and she felt her panic rising. Should she tell them?

"Esther, are you alright?" Nathaniel asked, worried, placing his hand on top of hers

"Y-yeah. Just the thought of shopping for a dress is making me lose energy," Esther awkwardly chuckled

"It'll be fun, Esther," Elliana reassured her

'I hope so.'