Chapter 16

안녕하세요! So, let's dive into this new chapter. Enjoy ;) * CHAPTER 16 NEOLA I attend to the needs of the small kitten under my care. I ask Gigi to prepare my night bath when a maid suddenly arrives to deliver a box. She timidly enters, biting her lip as she put the box on the table in front of me. Intrigued, I got up from my seat and took it, only to hear Gigi speak. "Miss, this is Carol. She will be the one in charge of making your dresses. That box contains the dress, I hope you will like it." I watch Gigi as she squeeze Carol's hand. I remove the ribbon and take off the lid of the box. There in front of me was a winter dress resembling a wedding gown. I ran my hands on it, surprise at how light it is compared to how it appeared. The little diamonds caught light as I took the dress out of the box. I went to the mirror beside the balcony and gasp. The dress is just so beautiful. I decided to try it on and Gigi help me with it. Carol gently assisted and the three of us work on how to tie and properly button the back side. It was perfect. Carol clap her hands together as Gigi ask me to twirl. I slowly did, smiling at them. "You look very beautiful, miss. You are really a princess, " Carol gushed at me as she checks the buttons and the sequins, my heart thundering of the joy. While Carol helps me on taking off my dress, Gigi finishes my bath. She puts more vanilla essence than usual. I snickered at her as she gave me a wink. Gigi works on my dress while I settled on the sofa. I am thinking of what to do with this kitten. Will I keep it? Will I be able to do so? This is a big responsibility and I know it won't be simple. Is this some kind of a challenge? Will I take it with me when I go or should I leave it here? Undecided, I just stared at it and sigh, "So, what would I name you?" Her orange fur shone every time she turns on my arms. I caress her cheek once again and she lean close. Aww, this cat is just so adorable. "I'm gonna name you Maple, " I whispered to her. I was surprise when Gigi said, "I am sorry to interrupt you, miss, but your bath is ready, " she curtsied and stood next to Carol. "Alright then, I'll just call you after. You may leave now, " They both curtsied and went out of the door. I put Maple in her cage before entering the bathroom. Stripping out of my clothes, I plunge my feet in the tub and settled in. It was warm and it soothes me. I gently scrub my skin, trying to arrange my thought on how I should be during dinner. It is clear that Fleur will be there with Luke. The king will be present there too. My head throbs as I think of ways to avoid going to dinner with them. But then, if I make another excuse, Luke would suspect something is wrong. And Fleur, she would probably label me a coward. I shook my head and balled up my fist. I am not a coward. I will face them as his fiancée and not some scared princess. I quickly got out of the tub, dry myself and wore the dress Gigi have prepared for me. The plush material is perfect for the cold weather. I rearrange the collar and pulled the skirt. I shivered since the back side is still not secured by the ribbons. Ringing the bell in the closet, I smiled when they entered. Gigi tied the ribbons, just enough that I can still breath. Carol fix my hair and secure it with silver hairpins. I look myself in the mirror and smirked. I look elegantly hot. Blowing them a kiss, I got out my room and was surprised to see Edam waiting for me. He bowed as I curtsied, "What brings you here?" shrugging his shoulders, he answered, "Well, Carol says you have to go to the dinner in style, " he smirked, winking at me. I look up at him, his hair shone red in the warm light. His blue eyes were accentuated by his long eyelashes. He almost look like a model. I had to stop myself admiring them. "You dress up pretty well. We will really arrive down in style." The both of us made our way down to the second floor. The room next to the great hall is lit with candles. It was very warm inside though as I look at the dining table, I shivered as my eyes made contact with Luke. He looks at me, his eyes filled with something I couldn't place. I tighten my hold on Edam's arms as I felt my knees buckle. Everyone in the table turn to us. Their eyes are glue to the majestic gown. It seems that I got the attention I am hoping for. I am so engorged to the attention I am getting that I only notice Luke. He was glaring at Edam by the time we stand in front of the king and queen. I look towards Edam to see him bowing his head. We both curtsied at the king and queen before we proceed. Edam quickly assisted me to my seat next to Luke before he scurried away. Poor lad. Gathering up my courage, I stared at Luke only to see him glaring at me, his jaws locked. I moistened my lips and look across to see Fleur staring at Luke. I have this sudden urge to snap at her. "I can see that you were enjoying yourself acting as a princess, " he suddenly whispered that I almost did not catch it. I breathe out a sigh and answered in a hush tone, "Well, I never know when I will be kicked out of here." My answer made him clench his jaw and divert his gaze to Fleur. Controlling myself, I plastered a smile as the king announce that we can start. Nobody spoke until after they serve us our appetizers. The king look towards me and said, "So, you have decided." I look at him, unsure of what he was talking about. Fleur and Luke stopped eating together with the other members of the royalty and the queen. "Decide about what, your majesty?" He let out a chuckle and motioned towards Fleur who was timidly playing with her napkin, "The chance for Luke. I know that you are still weighing your choices. Don't worry child, I selected a good one in case." He nodded at Fleur before he chuckled once again. I momentarily stared at her as she ate -- she was prim and proper, with traits that really belong to a princess. I gritted my teeth and proceed with the salmon. I paid attention to it, ignoring the conversation going about around me for it seems that I am now labeled an outcast. Luke engaged to a conversation to Fleur who is across him rather than talking to me as I sat beside him. So, they have found a perfect replacement that I don't matter anymore. I look at the queen to see her looking at me intently. She mouthed words on which I only nodded at. The queen went off before dinner even finished. I watch as she goes, envying her power to escape a boring dinner. I wait for dessert to finish before deciding to go. The halls were dimly lit and I was surprise when someone pulled me. "Shh, it's me child, " The queen's voice comforted me as she took me to her arms. She gently caress my face and ran her hands down my hair. Her actions made me cry. "Stop the tears now, child. Everything is going to be alright." I wipe my tears before asking, "How so? They have found a perfect replacement for me, my queen. Luke doesn't even look me in the eye. I am non existent. They don't care for me." "I beg to differ, " She caress my cheek and made me look at her in the eye, "Luke loves you. He stood for you. He is only doing this to favor for his Grandpa but you own his heart...that is if you believe him. Do you believe him?" I nodded vigorously, answering, "Yes, I do. But seeing him so happy with another woman hurts me so much I can't even pretend that it is alright. This is too much." The queen sigh as she pulled me close. She patted my back and said, "If that is how it appears to be, then you have to make your decision soon. I won't force you, " with that, she let me go. I stood there alone and confused. * The birds chirped rather enthusiastically, an opposite of how I feel. Quickly wearing my boots, I proceed down the hall and to the study, not caring of my large mane-like hair. I have decided. My heart is beating erratically as I held out my hand to knock. Though I wasn't able to as Luke came out of the door. His eyes were focused on me. I averted my gaze and silently stood there. A couple of moments has passed but I still ignored him. He sigh, taking my hands he pulled me towards the window, " What were you thinking?" "Huh?" I inquired, not getting his point. "You think I can't see what you are trying to do Neola? You are pulling away. I thought we had an agreement. You told me that you are going to help me with this for you said yes, " my heart momentarily stopped as I hear him say this words. He sound so hurt, I couldn't even look him in the eye. But then as I look out of the window, I saw Fleur, merrily galloping away with the horse. What happen yesterday came back in full force that I have gathered up the courage to stare at him in the eye. "Oh yeah? I know that I made a promise but I am not the one who is trying to pull back first. It was you, you chose to be with her." I snapped at him. "I didn't choose to be with her. Please understand that I have no choice." "Yes you do. You ignored it and choose to follow the easier path. If it's going to be like this then it's better I should leave." My hands trembled on my side as I told him this. "Then leave." His voice rang out clearly. I glared at him, his eyes hard. I bit my lip and said, " I will. Don't worry the sooner I'll leave, the better. You will have all the time of the world to be with her since you don't care about me anyways." He was completely struck by my words that I left him there, his mouth open. I knock on the door and waited. "Come in, " the King's voice rang loud and clear. I was about to turn the knob when Luke held out his hand. "Neola, " the desperation in his voice made me look at him. "Understand the situation we are in, Neo." He whispered, his voice quite shaking, " I am doing this for a reason. You have to just trust me, okay?" I hated that my heart beats erratically as I listen to him. I push him away and said, "I wanted to but I am afraid I can't. I needed to think about myself first." With that, I open the door and entered the room. I compose myself, turning back, I was surprise to see the king looking at me. His eyes held triumph as he smiles. He have won in this. I have failed. "Your majesty, " I curtsied and walk near him. I stood in front of him and said, "I wish to leave the castle soon, will you allow me?" 계속 * So, tell me what are your thoughts about this chapter? Do tell, luv ya 잘자, 사랑해!