37: Whirling through trouble

Whirling through trouble

Anastasia wanted to bury herself in the ground, but that would happen soon, thanks to Prince Aiden recognising her. Her heart was beating so loudly that it numbed every other sound in her ears, and she felt her palms sweat. 

As a maid, she had hoped that the third prince wouldn't bother sparing a glance at her when there were women who wore lavish gowns and adorned themselves with jewels around their necks or ears. 

"Where?!" The Mother Queen exclaimed, turning to look in the opposite direction with the others. 

Anastasia quickly shook her head at Prince Aiden with a look of horror flashing over her face. She wanted him to stay quiet so that she could keep her neck. 

"I do not see her," Princess Niyasa murmured before looking back at her brother with a question in her eyes. "Where is she?" 

Even the Mother Queen turned to look at her grandson, waiting for him to explain. Prince Aiden laughed, waving his hand, before he said, 

"I was trying to recollect the woman's name. It was Tasia, wasn't it?" 

Princess Niyasa rolled her eyes, remembering that this brother of hers was a jester. 

"Don't you dare bring up her name, Aiden." The Mother Queen glowered slightly, her lips set into a thin line. The old woman said, "I am very upset with what she did and have not forgiven her. To think she dared hurt my and Dante's feelings," and she clicked her tongue before her eyes narrowed. 

"I will keep that in mind, Grandmother." Aiden bowed before his eyes sneakily met Anastasia's, who slightly bowed at him from where she stood. The third prince was curious about what was going on and decided to question her later. 

Anastasia's shoulders remained stiff and alert, and she was thankful that Prince Aiden hadn't blown her cover. When her eyes moved to look at Prince Dante, he seemed unruffled and was drinking something from a glass that a passing servant had offered him. Then suddenly, his eyes moved to look at her, and she quickly looked down.

After a few minutes had passed, Prince Maxwell stepped into the main hall with his soulmate, who had her hand around his arm. They continued to walk and stopped in front of King William, the Mother Queen, and Queen Sophia. The couple took blessings from the three high-status elders and stood to the side. 

King William said to everyone in the main hall, "Welcome again, everyone. We are here today to celebrate the fact that Maxwell, my son, has found his soulmate. I would like all of you to welcome Lady Evin Jeremiah."

Anastasia's eyes fell on the woman named Evin, who smiled brightly with evident happiness next to Prince Maxwell. She wore an expensive gown, and a jewelled hairpin was fixed to the side of her chestnut hair. The couple looked happy, enjoying the moment. 

"Without any delay, we will have them engaged today, and soon a wedding date will be picked for the two to get married. Bring the rings," King William ordered, and soon two servants walked forward with square, red velvet pillows, each carrying a ring. 

Prince Maxwell and Lady Evin exchanged their rings to make it official, and sounds of approval passed around the room. Anastasia's gaze left the engaged couple, seeking where her sister stood, finding her staring without any expression. 

"There is also some more news that I would like to share." King William's voice echoed in the room, capturing everyone's attention before he continued, "Maxwell will be in charge of the base from now on. I look forward to him making his mark in this upcoming war."

Anastasia, who stood behind Princess Emily, noticed the young lady turn to look in the direction where her eldest brother stood. It looked like she wanted to say something but was wise enough to keep it to herself. 

As the soiree continued, Anastasia followed wherever Princess Emily went. The princess was fairly popular, with men of high status coming to talk to her, hoping to catch her attention. 

"Excuse me, my mother is calling me," Princess Emily lied while offering a bow to the little crowd that had formed around her. As they walked away, the princess said to Anastasia, "The easiest way to leave is to tell them that you have been summoned. Preferably by my mother or grandmother."

Anastasia nodded, taking note of it. 

Upon seeing her mother coming in her direction, Princess Emily quickly met her halfway and said, "Mother, there is something I would like to talk about with you."

"Before that, Mr. Tetrarch told me that his son has been trying to have some of your time, but you have been busy. It would be lovely if you mingled," Queen Sophia said hurriedly, as if she had somewhere to be, while looking far behind her daughter. 

"I have been doing that, Mother," Princess Emily replied politely. 

"That's good, then. I would like to hear about them tomorrow and see if there's any suitable men," Queen Sophia said, before adding, "I will talk to you later, yes?" and she patted her daughter's back before walking past her. 

But Princess Emily was not done talking to her mother, and she continued to follow her mother, who stepped out of the main hall. Anastasia kept up with the princess's footsteps, and before they stopped, not far away from them stood King William, the Mother Queen, and Queen Sophia. 

They hid behind one of the thick pillars before eavesdropping on the conversation that they had to pay attention to, as it was hard to hear with the music that was spilling from the main hall. 

"I don't agree with your decision to give Maxwell the base." The Mother Queen's lips wore a frown as she looked at her son. "The base was Dante's responsibility, and he is more well-equipped with knowledge and skill. On the other hand, Maxwell has never stepped foot into a war zone."

"He will in two weeks," King William responded, unaffected by the fact that he had upset his mother. "When responsibility falls on one's shoulders, a person learns automatically. My decision is firm, and I won't be changing it."

Mother Queen Ginger pursed her lips and said, "You are stripping one son's responsibility and giving it to another. Have you thought about how Dante might feel?" 

"Dante agrees with me, Mother," King William said with a pointed look before adding, "He is a capable knight, and he will continue to assist Maxwell for now. At least until someone takes the throne," and these words affected Queen Sophia, who suddenly looked troubled but hid her emotions. 

Queen Sophia said, "Wouldn't it be better if it was discussed and everyone approved of it?" 

The Mother Queen smiled dryly and replied, "I had the same question when a second Queen was introduced." She asked her son, "Are there any other surprises I should be aware of beforehand, so that they don't catch me off guard?" 

"That would be all for now, Mother. Don't be upset; we are only helping all my children get a fair chance to learn what goes on in the kingdom and see if they hold leadership qualities," King William responded, and he kissed his mother's cheeks. He then walked back into the main hall, where the guests were. 

The Mother Queen sighed, "When he puts it that way, it doesn't seem so bad." Though she still didn't approve of Dante being removed from being the person in charge. She was protective of him because of how everyone had treated him since he was young, but that didn't mean she loved her other grandchildren any less. She said, "I need a good, strong drink. Where is Aziel?" Looking for him, she joined the rest of the party where the celebration was taking place.

Princess Emily turned to Anastasia and said, "Why don't you go inside and wait for me? I will be there soon." She started walking towards her mother while Anastasia returned inside the main hall. 

Anastasia stood quietly, watching the guests without looking at them directly to avoid offending them. 

Her eyes found Prince Dante speaking to a couple of guests. Compared to those who were upset in the corridor, he looked perfectly content with the earlier news, as if it didn't bother him. The longer she stared at him, the more she noticed, like the way some young women glanced at him while their parents were not looking at them. 

While she waited for Princess Emily, Prince Aiden appeared next to her with a tray of fancy food he had brought. He stated in surprise, 

"I am so confused, yet amazed, with what is going on with you. I'd rather be enlightened than watch the concubines dance," and his eyes lit up. 

Anastasia raised her hands to her lips, and he quickly mouthed, 'Ah!' He said in a low voice, "You don't speak when you are a maid, but you spoke in the Bazaar. You also spoke as Tasia Flores. Is that like Juan?" He asked with a look of suspicion. 

She shook her head and made a half-sign with her hands, and this made the prince tilt his head while he thought hard about what her name could be. She moved her hand in front of her mouth before whispering, 

"Please don't tell anyone the truth."

"I didn't mean to." Prince Aiden took an item from his tray and popped it into his mouth. Once he was done chewing and swallowing it, he said, "You are a strange woman to not speak when you have such a nice voice. Though there is something that has been bugging me for a few minutes. You said you wanted to ride the camels… don't tell me that you were planning to run away?" He stared at her. 

Anastasia wasn't looking at him, as it was rude for a servant like herself to do so, and she felt her vision blur. It was just too much for one evening, and she was barely surviving. She shook her head and moved her two fingers as if walking. 

"Ah, I don't know what you mean now. Maybe I will learn it in two months," Aiden decided before saying, "But I am lazy and it's too much work. There's so much to talk about, and I cannot wait to have you alone." 

Suddenly someone hit the back of his head, and it was none other than Princess Emily, who glared at her younger brother, "What do you mean alone with her? I will tell Mother if you do or say anything strange to my maid." She then turned to Anastasia and said, "I am tired and would like to return to my room now."

Anastasia offered Prince Aiden a bow and followed Princess Emily out of there. The princess's fast footsteps slowed down once they were away from the main hall. It appeared as if the princess was deep in thought, and she hadn't uttered a word.

Reaching the princess's room, Anastasia helped the young lady out of her dress and detangled her hair which had earlier been fastened with pins, which took quite some time. 

Once Princess Emily was in bed, Anastasia pulled the blanket up over the princess and heard, "I will see you tomorrow, Anna. You can leave the candles lit."

Anastasia nodded before offering a bow and leaving the room. 

As she was excused from having to attend to the princess for the day, she decided to wait for her sister below the Paradise Tower. Minutes turned into an hour, which turned into three before she heard footsteps approaching where she stood. To another person, it looked like she was cleaning a vase, when it was only an excuse so she wouldn't be questioned. 

When Anastasia glanced over, she noticed the courtesans walking up the stairs one by one, but she didn't catch sight of Marianne. She wondered if Marianne was possibly entertaining a guest back in the main hall, or was in one of the guest's rooms.

Leaving the corridor, she started to make her way towards the servants' quarters when she met Mr. Gilbert, who ordered, "Go to the kitchen and fetch one of the trays of food served at the main hall. Have it brought to Lady Maya's place."

Anastasia bowed and did as she was told. After bringing the tray of treats to the room, another maid took it from her. As she started to leave the corridors of the inner palace, one of the doors opened ahead of her and Prince Maxwell stepped out of the room. 

As the prince walked toward Anastasia, his eyes narrowed when they fell on her, making her nervous. Every moment she was worried about someone identifying her. 

He walked past her, and the sound of his footsteps receded, disappearing at the end of the corridor. At the same time, Marianne stepped out of the same room Prince Maxwell had left. 

When the two sisters' eyes met, Marianne became surprised to see her sister there. But before she could say anything , Anastasia asked her, 

"What did Prince Maxwell want from you?" 

—

A Happy Birthday to RedRising, who is also the muse for Queen Mother Ginger  1

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