Chapter 122: The Golden Flower [Bonus - ]
It had been a month since Evanna was separated from the group. The princess already estimated it to take that long to return, even with a few complications on the way. Something was very wrong. She feared for her friends and for her mother.
As soon as she was up, Evanna immediately started to pace, but before she could do much more, Rina returned with the king’s summoning to breakfast. It was to be expected, but she was still lost in her thoughts about everyone else than her current status. Her handmaiden dressed her appropriately, leaving her hair in a half-up hairstyle before Cedric and Anwel called for her.
Now she sat in the tense silence of the dining room with king Thalanil and prince Arawn. Even with a mere half-day between them, it seemed a gap had formed between Evanna and Arawn as though time itself had flown much longer without contact. Each was lost to their own thoughts, though Evanna still tried to keep a mask of politeness upon her features, only faltering when their stares became too much. She did not meet their gazes and instead focused on her meal as she worried over what had to happen next.
Only occasionally did she glance in Arawn’s direction when the king held his attention on discussions about an upcoming ball. Evanna paid no heed to such an event and wondered why the prince was acting quite coldly towards her. But she did not think too much into it; it was a passing thought. They were seated by the king’s side, a king who was not pleased with her and Arawn becoming friendly.
Once the king was finished, Evanna began to stand, but he held his hand up for her to continue without formalities. Arawn waited until his father was gone until he spoke up. "Something is troubling you. What is it?" He asked. His voice sounded distant, almost disinterested. This caught Evanna’s attention, and so she looked up from her plate and stared at his stoic expression.
Evanna bit the inside of her mouth before placing a smile on her face and replied, "Why do you think something is the matter, your highness?" Her question caused him to narrow his eyes before he smirked.
"You have not called me formally in such a while. Something must be wrong, especially since you have been playing with your food." He stood up and walked around the table, so he sat by her right side.
"It is considered rude not to eat the food provided for you, is it not?" Evanna retorted smartly.
"That is no different from what you have had before," Arawn murmured before standing again and holding his hand out for her. "If you do not wish to eat, I will not force you. I have other matters to attend to today, and so I cannot help you with your gift."