Ch 17: Love myself or lose myself

Aribella POV

“We’re going to have to work on etiquette,” Rhory mutters, blinking slowly.

“I am so sorry.”

The embarrassment I feel right now overshadows anything I've experienced up until this point, and I imagine I could be a tomatoes twin.

“Nonsense,” Mael purrs, his voice faker than a street vendor selling Prada. “I think that Marrionette’s coffee is deserving of your praise.”

The woman herself stares in shock at Mael’s compliment before swallowing, and bowing, “Thank you, your highness.”

Rhory’s eyes narrow at Mael, who flashes an even faker smile than his compliment.

“How did you sleep Ms. Voss?” Emrys tries to ease the tension in the room. “Was the room to your liking?”

“It was comfortable, thank you.”

I nurse the mug in my hand, sipping on my coffee slowly hoping that I can somehow force my brain to learn proper royal etiquette before I have to meet the King himself. While I don’t actually plan to become the Queen, I need to make a good enough impression for it to be believable.

“I must ask,” Mael grasps his chin. “When in the world did you find the time to capture my brother’s attention? I don't remember you two ever speaking prior to our little quarrel at the ranch."

Using the same fake personality that I used the night of the gathering, I forced a smile, looking directly at Mael, “You were off speaking with Dain, and I went to get some fresh air, and there he was,” I turn towards Rhory, fluttering my lashes, and reaching my hand across the table to grab his. "I'm starting to wonder if he followed me out there on purpose."

The action startled him, but he bounced back with an easy smile, “I’d never seen someone eat a cream puff with so much enthusiasm.”

Emrys snorts, attempting to cover it by clearing his throat, and I glare at him.

“So, love at first sight then?” Mael prods for information.

“So much love it was overwhelming.” I squeezed Rhory’s hand in a death grip for his rude comment about my eating of that delicious cream puffs. If I think of those cream puffs, I can easily sell this unbelievable story.

I did really love those things.

“What a shame,” Mael shakes his head. “And here I thought there was still a chance for you and me.”

“She’s all mine, brother,” Rhory chirped, dragging his nail across my palm in an attempt to get me to stop squeezing his.

“We’ll see about that. You might have caught her eye,” he tilted his head, “But I plan to capture her heart.”

“Lucky for me, I captured both,” Rhory retorted.

“Emrys,” I smiled, wagging my brows. “Any chance you want to get in on this little three way?”

Shit. I’m supposed to be acting.

“Nope,” he smiled, putting heavy emphasis on the P. “You are definitely not my type.”

“What is your type?” I tried to steer the conversation away from my previous question.

“Strong, smart, and blonde,” he turned serious, and I was grateful that the spotlight was no longer on me.

“I’m pretty sure you just described Kaelar.”

Rhory spat his orange juice, ruining the plate of food in front of him. Emrys chuckled, and Mael looked horrified.

“I have to say,” Rhory releases my hand, and I slowly return to eating my breakfast. “This is the most interesting breakfast I’ve had in a long time. But we have some important things to discuss in my office, Aribella,” he pushed his plate away, standing. "If you'll excuse us Mael."

After finishing off my coffee, I stood, and Kaelar returned to my side. Both Rhory and Emrys led the way, and I glanced over my shoulder, “It was nice to officially meet you Rhys.”

His eyes crinkled once again, “Likewise Ms. Voss.”

“Please call me Ari.”

“It was my pleasure, Ari,” he responded, and I silently wondered what his smile looked like beneath the mask.

As we walked, I found myself lost in my thoughts. I’d slipped up multiple times at breakfast, and I needed to choose a side. Was I going to be true to Charlotte, the woman I was, or learn to be Aribella Voss, the future Queen.

Each time I opened my mouth; I found it harder to hide myself. I spent so many years hiding my true self. I’d bite my tongue until it bled because it never seemed to matter what I said, it wasn’t good enough for Stephan.

But now that I’m free, each day feels like a weight is lifted from my shoulders, and I’m desperate to find myself again.

I can’t lose myself in this world, but I know that I have to fake it until I make it, and that was about to test my every limit.

The only person I felt truly comfortable with in this new life was Peyton, but he’s no longer with me, and that feels like a tragedy. Each time we worked side by side in the barn, I never felt pressured to be anything but myself.

He was a rare treasure in a world full of monsters.

My mind was so preoccupied with thoughts, I forgot to lift my dress, and my foot caught on the hem.

It felt like time slowed down as the floor moved closer to my face, but before I could hit the ground, strong arms caught me.

I slowly turned my head, catching unnatural golden eyes staring only inches from my face. The intensity of his gaze took my breath away.

My cheeks flamed with embarrassment for the millionth time this morning alone, and I forced myself upright.

“Are you okay, Ms. Voss?” Kaelar’s brow arched as he studied my face, and I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. This entire thing has been a mess from the start, and now I can’t even walk without assistance.

“Yup,” I chirped, my voice sounding higher pitched than normal. “Short girl problems.”

Kaelar stepped away from me, and only then did Rhory and Emrys notice that we’d stopped a few feet back.

“Everything okay, Ari?” Rhory questioned, and I was grateful that he wasn’t still calling me Ms. Voss.

“Everything is perfect.” I speed walked until I was close behind the two of them, daring a glance over my shoulder to see Kaelar had already fallen in step directly behind me.