I stood silently behind the princess’ chair as the only sounds reverberating in the dining hall were spoons and forks hitting plates. Aside from that, there were chewing sounds from the King which had gotten him several nasty glances from the Queen. But he was a man of his own accord. He did what he pleased, and he allowed others to do so as well. That was the only reason why he wasn’t being admonished by the Queen directly.

But that matter wasn’t the thing which had me standing awkwardly in my place.

“Is the food not to your liking, my child?” The King’s kind voice had me feeling further discomfort as I lowered my head so as not to make eye-contact with any of the royals. The prince had been staring me down anyway – I didn’t want the King to do so as well, even though he wasn’t capable of it.

“No, father, it’s alright.” The princess answered appropriately as she continued to stab at the meat on her plate.

She had been this way since yesterday which was enough to make me realize that it was because of me. But the King didn’t know of that.

I could still remember the look on the princess’ face when I had asked her that intrusive question. It was my mistake for being so arrogant. I thought that since we had been getting closer, I could ask her about her scandalized past, but she had shown me my place immediately.

The disgusted look on her face was answer enough to my question but she had also worded it out for me so I wouldn’t have any further ideas. “My past is mine alone. I don’t know what you’ve heard around the castle, but you are not to assume that I will share such details with you or that you can inquire of such things as if we are friends.”

In just a few words, she had drawn back the line between us which had been erased through our mutual understanding and shared experiences. It was my mistake, but no matter how I had tried to backtrack and apologize, she had been cold towards me from then on. She had also sent me back to my room, and didn’t call for me when she went for dinner. It was enough for me to realize that I had angered her.

Sighing silently, I tuned back into the dining hall as my ears picked up the prince’s voice. “...maybe she can help me out with the Geraldia issue since she practically turned our unruly princess into a saint.”

I frowned when I realized that he was talking down on the princess again, but then I heard the princess’ voice, and she wasn’t addressing the prince.

“Elena, you are to go to the prince’s study and help him out the best you can.” My head raised in surprise as I looked at the back of the princess’ head. I had to do what now? Turning to look at Oanez, he shook his head and signaled for me to remain silent, but I didn’t hear what had been discussed amongst them.

Stepping forward slightly, I whispered to the princess. “Why am I being sent to the prince?” There are many times when a person realizes their mistakes but also many times when they repeat them and face the same consequences. “It was not a request, Elena. It was a command.” Nodding my head immediately, I backed away from the princess who had been loud enough for the entire table to hear her.

My cheeks darkened in embarrassment, but I controlled the rising anger at being wronged. She was not my friend. She didn’t owe me an explanation or anything, but she could at least try not to be so mean.

“Now, now, dear sister, why would you speak to your advisor with such disdain? She simply asked a question.” Bowing my head, I refused to look at the prince since I already knew he was watching me. My impression of him had hit absolute bottom ever since I had found out about his refusal to provide fruit to orphaned children. He wasn’t someone I wanted to be around or even help. “There was news of the Geraldian Queen and her Queen coming to Naja for a visit, which is why I agreed to showing them around the gardens upon their arrival. Now, I want you and Oanez to come up with solutions on how to convince them to continue trade with us. Ever since the Queen’s cousin returned to Geraldia, he has severed all ties to Naja, and it’s harming our economy.”

The prince’s lengthy and helpful explanation was greatly appreciated as I raised my head to look at him. “I will help as best as I can, your Highness.” The prince smiled as he leaned back in his chair. “Excellent! I expect great things from you, advisor Elena.” I didn’t particularly like the way my name sounded coming from his mouth, but I liked the compliment. Bowing my head in gratitude, I sincerely thanked him. “Your Highness will not be disappointed.”

I frowned when I heard the screech of a chair being pushed and realized soon enough that it was the princess. She was standing now as she bowed her head towards the King and Queen. “Please excuse me, mother, father, it seems I have an upset stomach.”

Her words brought a frown to my face, but I concealed my expressions quickly. I was just her advisor. Worrying about her was not part of my work.

“Oh no, do you want me to call the doctor?” The King sounded concerned, but the princess shook her head immediately. “A little bed rest would be helpful, father. No need to worry the doctor or yourself.”

“Hm, go rest then.” The Queen looked at the princess without any concern as she turned back to her plate. It wasn’t anything unusual as the princess bowed her head and turned around to leave the dinner table. However, our eyes met for a brief second and that little time was enough for me to see the clear disdain in them.

I bowed my head as well, before I turned to follow her out of the dining hall. But then she spoke once again. “You are to stay here with the prince, Advisor Elena.”

If there was a worse way of ditching someone – this, was it.

She left me to the wolf while she went ahead to rest in her room.

“Sister seems quite displeased with something. Perhaps it's because of the other day.” I turned to look at the prince, who was frowning before he glanced at me. The princess had just left the dining hall, and he was conversing about her immediately.

I knew that he was aware of the discord between the princess and me. It was clear as day since she had been rude to me all morning, in front of the three of them and Oanez.

“Perhaps, she is dissatisfied with your decision, my son.” The prince laughed at the Queen’s suggestion which was spoken in seriousness. He was the only one amused while the Queen stared at him without even a stretch of her lips.

What was happening?

Even the prince looked confused as his laughter gradually died out. “What do you mean, mother?”

“I was told from a credible source that the princess had gone to you regarding that matter once before.” The prince glanced over at me as his eyes widened, but I wasn’t the one to tell the Queen anything. I didn’t even leave my room for the entire evening yesterday, since I had made the princess so mad at me.

So, then the only one who could’ve relayed the information to the Queen could be my father or Ulgrim. I turned to look over to Ulgrim, who looked as indifferent as ever. Even if he did relay the information to the Queen, he wouldn’t let that show.

“Who told you such a thing, mother? And why would you believe this person over your own son?” The prince didn’t look as smug as he did before. His confidence wavered further when the Queen threw him a glare which he could not avoid. “I did not believe this person, but your behavior tells me that he was right.”

The King sighed as he spoke up next. “Your sister is doing a good thing in the name of our royal family, without any ulterior motives. It would be good if you allowed her to help you in your campaign as the heir. She will be a great ally for you.”

It was odd hearing the same words I had spoken to the prince repeated to him by the King. It also boosted my ego since the prince looked like a child being scolded which was such a wonderful sight to see. If only the princess could have seen this as well.

“I want you to allow Isabella to meet the Geraldian Queens as well. She will have more in common with them – more so if the Geraldian Queen’s cousin comes along.” I frowned not knowing what the Queen meant by that or the insight behind her spitting out the word ‘cousin’ with such distaste, but it was something that I could think of later.

“Yes, mother.” The prince placed down his spoon as he pushed his chair back. Standing up, he bowed towards the King and Queen with respect. “I will go back to the study now. I have lost my appetite.”

It was disgusting how blatant he was with his brooding as he signaled for Oanez and me to follow. He had just been scolded for being an idiot, and he was immediately taking offense, while the Queen said multiple horrible things to the princess every time she opened her mouth, but the princess always took it all with silence and patience.

The difference was clear between the two, and somehow, I was glad that I wasn’t the prince’s advisor. But for the time being, I was going to have to spend time with him, and I had to pretend to not dislike him so much.