The big dining room glowed with soft candlelight, making long shadows dance on the shiny silver plates.
Fiona swallowed hard, her throat dry.
The fancy plates and cutlery —Miss Rose's lessons on how to use them popped into her head, but the King, Queen, and Vanessa staring made her hands shake.
"Hey, it's okay." Dimitri's voice, soft by her ear, made her shiver. He sat close, making her feel a little less scared.
As they started eating, Fiona felt their eyes on her, watching her every move.
"So, Fiona," Vanessa's voice, sweet like cherry candy, cut through the quiet, "do you like the food?"
"It's great, Your Highness " Fiona said quietly, taking a sip of water, her fingers shaking against the glass.
"Oh, call me Vanessa," the princess replied.
Fiona could feel her bright smile under the veil.
She wondered how Vanessa, with her veil would eat. She wondered how she looked beneath the veil.
A worry popped into Fiona's head.
Why are they so nice? If she decides to cut off the plan, would they still smile at her?
She shook her head, trying to push the worries away.
Dimitri's hand touched hers, a silent "it's okay." She looked at him; he was smiling.
"It's alright," he said again. She could tell he knew she was thinking too much.
The King cleared his throat, his eyes hard, looking at Dimitri's hand on Fiona's.
Dimitri pulled his hand away quickly, like he was burned.
"So," the King said, his voice low, "what's going on between you and Dimitri?"
Fiona's heart crumbled at Dimitri's words.
"Nothing," Dimitri said, his voice smooth. "I'm her master. What else could there be?"
Fiona's throat felt tight, the words she wanted to say stuck.
She was ready to open up about their relationship but now...?
He'll say no to you in front of everyone. He's your buyer, Fiona.
Miss Rose's words came back to her, a scary thought.
She wanted to talk, to yell, but she just smiled as the King spoke again.
She looked at Dimitri, but his eyes told her nothing.
Vanessa, seeing the tension, stood up, and gave a fake yawn. "I'm tired. Fiona, wanna see my room?"
Fiona smiled slowly , heart jumping with relief. "Yes." She stood, happy to escape.
"But Fiona, we have to talk about the plan." Dimitri said, his eyes looking at her as if to say, 'Im sorry, I'll explain later.
"I'll tell her everything she needs to know," Vanessa said, pulling Fiona's arm.
…..
"I don't believe him!" Vanessa said, as she shut the door behind her.
She watched Fiona walk towards the bed, then stop in the middle of the room, her back to Vanessa.
"I think it's my dad," Vanessa said, her voice softer. "Dimitri's just trying to keep you safe. That's why he lied."
Fiona turned, tears running down her face.
"That doesn't mean he should deny me, deny us."
"Come here," Vanessa whispered, hugging Fiona.
The room was quiet except for Fiona's soft sobbing.
"Funny," Vanessa said, "I'm the one comforting you now."
She laughed softly, and Fiona laughed a little too, through her tears.
"And how we seem to connect emotionally?" Fiona whispered her voice trailing off.
"Yeah.." Vanessa said softly.
"Can I see you?" She whispered, her voice shaky, as Vanessa slowly moved her arms away.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Vanessa whispered, stepping back, arms crossed.
Fiona walked closer, touching the lace on Vanessa's sleeve.
"Show me when you're ready?" she asked, smiling gently.
Vanessa's breath caught.
At this moment, Vanessa could see how pretty Fiona's eyes were, how the tears made them sparkle, how her raven black hair fell down her shoulder.
Vanessa felt strange flutter.
Do I... like Fiona?