203: What Was I Expecting?

What Was I Expecting?

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Just then, there was a knock on the door. "Your Highness, I brought tea." That was Oriana who entered the room carrying a tray of tea and snacks for the two men. 

Arlan didn't look at her nor did she look at Arlan. After bowing, Oriana quietly served them tea. She could feel Arlan was treating her like she didn't exist, making her feel confused, and somewhat disappointed, about his behavior. There was invisible tension between them which she could feel but could not put into words.

After pouring tea for them, she excused herself, knowing well her presence was not welcomed. 

Drayce also noticed the strangeness between them and asked after she was gone, "Did something happen?"

"I have already answered you," Arlan said as he picked up his teacup. 

"I am referring to your aide," Drayce replied as he took a sip of tea.

"You sure show too much interest in a peasant," Arlan commented. "Instead let's talk about what happened in the summit earlier."

Drayce no longer insisted on questioning him about his private affairs. The King of Megaris recalled the new laws Othinia presented that were obviously raised in favor of a certain kingdom.  "We need something that will break the alliance between Othinia and Thevailes."

"There is a way. The one that your mother-in-law, Queen Niobe, is trying to make happen."

"Getting Prince Cian to marry a princess of Othinia," Drayce said. "Queen Niobe sure thinks far ahead. Her talent in understanding the play of power sure is astounding."

"She is a smart woman, and  any kingdom will flourish as long as she's their queen. Abetha will suffer the brunt of Thevailes' move, and nipping it in the bud before Thevailes grows stronger is indeed the best action to take. She must expect her son to form a marriage alliance with Othinia before Thevailes could wage another war."

"Prince Cian doesn't agree with his mother. He is not in favor of a political marriage."

Arlan nodded. "Although Queen Niobe's plan is the safest, we should not sacrifice a lifetime of happiness to politics. Since Prince Cian doesn't want Abetha to suffer too, he will surely find a better way."

Drayce sighed. "He plans to head out tonight once more to continue the investigation despite his injury."

"Even if it were you, would you have stopped due to some unsolicited advice?" Arlan laughed.  "Afterall, each of us carries responsibilities."

"Well, even if his injury worsens, we have a trustworthy physician with us. I am sure your aide will treat him well."

"I am sure she will," Arlan replied, not giving Drayce the reaction that he was expecting from him. "Let's discuss the matters for tomorrow's conference first. Don't you want to take your wife out in the city?"

"Hmm, let's do that."

After an hour of discussion, Drayce was ready to leave. "You are coming with us. I am sure you want to take your woman out as well." It was not a question. "Will see you out in a while." 

Drayce disappeared from his chamber even before Arlan could say more.

—-

Unable to refuse his friend's invitation, Arlan decided to go out as well. Imbert and Rafal as usual were ready to follow their master. Even though Rafal was advised to rest, the knight didn't want to idle around while doing nothing. Oriana was asked to accompany her master as well, the only personal aide following them.

Two horses and a carriage were prepared for the four of them. Rafal and Imbert rode the horses, while Oriana accompanied Arlan in his carriage. The two sat opposite to each other, but neither individual acknowledged the other's presence. 

Arlan had his gaze fixed outside the window, with his hand resting under his chin as if in boredom. On the other hand, Oriana had her head lowered, her thoughts unknown.

After some time, Oriana glanced up at him, and seeing his handsome side profile, she  had to swallow the bitter truth.

Arlan was ignoring her. Blatantly ignoring her, as if her presence didn't matter to him. 

All along, she was not wrong to feel that way, but a part of her was hoping she misunderstood. 

'What was I expecting?' 

Staring at the prince made the bitter feeling inside her grow. To divert her attention, she opted to look outside as well, staring at the passing scenery outside the window on her side. 

Two people inside a single carriage, their hearts so near yet so far.

For some reason, Oriana felt a sudden urge—to run, to escape, to flee as far as she could from this man as soon as possible.

'I am a fool.' Her nose soured. 'I forgot my place and my goal for what I am here for. I was distracted. I should stop thinking about it and forget it like any other mistakes I make. I shall focus on my goal, and then leave and never return...'

The entire journey was silent, and no one talked or even looked at each other even after they reached the rather upscale market. It was another district on the other side of Nefer and not the same market Oriana visited with Seren. 

Their carriage was first to stop, and thus, Oriana and Arlan were the first to disembark as well. 

When the other carriage stopped, Oriana watched Drayce step out first to help Seren climb down, his actions so gentle and tender towards his wife. He was the perfect husband any woman could have. 

Yorian disguised as a human, the knights Imbert, Rafal, Slayer and Azer, the lady-in-waiting Xena, the attendant Oriana, as well as the royals from Griven and Megaris, theirs was a fairly large group, their appearances visibly striking despite their attempts to dress down as Othinian nobility. Oriana noticed that passers-by would gawk at them from time to time. 

"This seems to be a different part of the city," Seren talked to Drayce. 

Drayce nodded. "I thought you might like to shop around here as my Queen is fond of shopping for interesting objects."

Seren smiled under her veil. "That is true."

"This part of the city is targeted for tourists and the shops offer a variety of authentic, yet high quality Othinian products. You can buy whatever you want."

Seren giggled. "I will make sure that we will have a lot of stuff to take back with us." 

"We have an entire ship to accommodate whatever you buy."

Oriana felt amused to see such a loving and sincere display of affection. Such was rare even for couples who married for love, what more between a king and a queen. Who would believe Drayce had not seen his wife's face? His love for her was at another level. 

She smiled inwardly, seeing Seren's bright eyes.

'Queen Seren is a nice woman. She deserves such happiness.'

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