Knights

Act Nine

(A/n: Sorry everyone! School had finally started and I didn't really want the chapter to be out so late, but it did anyway. Though there is a surprise! If you haven't noticed yet, the art above is my own! So that did take extra time! Enjoy!)

Well, this is a awkward situation to be in.

(Y/n) would periodically look to her supposed mother and then back to her plate, then back to Danzell with the whole process happening again. The silence and deathly glares didn't help with the uneasy feeling (y/n) continuously got.

Danzell and the knights had returned home at around the time of noon, which means lunch was currently being served. Though the female did wish to clean up first, the cooks and other servers already planned the surprise for the king and princess. So she didn't bother to speak anything of her ruined and dirt covered dress. Instead she uncomfortably sipped her soup from the spoon quietly.

The soup was a lemon orzo and had a nice, subtle fresh flavor. Much nicer than the rations of oats and dried fruits and meats that they had to eat for a week. Pieces of small pastas floated around the yellow broth under the dancing steam.

Carefully taking hold of the soup spoon (y/n) scooped some of the contents and blew on it to cool it off. Then she proceeded to drink and continue the process in a slow fashion, even though she was hungry.

The queen huffed angrily though the silence. "(Y/n)," She spoke, finally turning her gaze to her daughter. "Are you excited to see our kingdom?" A hint of excitement stuck within her own words.

"Oh-! Um, yes-yes I am." The princess stopped her sentence there, keeping her eyes on the soup. "I think I am more curious than anything though." She wanted to ask so much more about everything, but side glancing at the two, she realized it wouldn't be the smartest option. I mean, the way they even sat put (y/n) on edge.

Though either way she remained quiet throughout lunch, her mother making the only few words ever spoken.

After the king finished, which was surprisingly slow, maybe he was just waiting for (y/n) and the queen to finish first? I mean that was a possibility, though I think he doesn't care about he favor of the queen as much as herself.

"The next course will be lamb rack with lime pesto and a house salad with a strawberry vinaigrette." The chef carefully watched the guests faces as he spoke. "Wine will also be served as well as other alcohols asked by a servant. Your meals will come out shortly." The man bowed by placing his arm in front of his torso and bucking down. Lifting himself back up he took his pride and left to continue his cooking.

No one spoke up to say thank you or any kind words to the chef. (Y/n) found this odd due to the fact she was raised with the idea of always being polite to other people. All of this royal business was strange to jump into, there were so many things they did that the princess didn't find correct. She thought that no matter what you should say thank you out of simple courtesy. This royal thing kind of frustrated her.

Finally after what seemed to be forever Danzell opened his mouth. "(Y/n) would you like to see the gardens and the stables after lunch? I would love the company."

(Y/n) turned her full attention to the king, a smile now evident on her face. "That would be gracious of you, thank you."

Her attention was now set of the slightly creaking doors to the kitchen. Chefs waltzed out with the meals and bottles of wine assorting from what looked like red to pink to white of all different kinds. Danzell's meal was given first, followed by the other guests in the room. He was served red wine, the queen pink wine and the princess simply asking for water instead. Which the chef replied with, "I will go get a pitcher filled up and get you some water, your majesty."