Facing forward to the man who suddenly appeared with mouth agaped, standing right in front of her was someone who was way out of her expectations.
The air swinged into the room, silence stretched as Anisha was blown away by his ethereal beauty, he had long silver-like hair, his eyes drew her in as it looked like a melting sun.
The wind swayed his hair, he gave her a polite smile.
Realizing that she had stared for too long, Anisha's mind came back to the cape that had been draped over her shoulders. It felt really warm, his scent lingered on it.
She met his eyes and took a step back hitting her back on the window at the process.
Was this her husband? Suddenly her face soured, right when she was about to open her mouth to speak he greeted gentlemanly.
"My Lady," he bowed slightly, "I hope you are settled in."
Anisha looked at him in spite for a moment. He was just like she had imagined after all only with a much better look and highlights.
Showing up only to derive what men deemed as pleasure, well she wasn't going to let him have his way.
Anisha coutseyed,"Yes Your Highness, I was just about to get to bed, today has had me exhausted."
Raising her head up and meeting his eyes once again, Anisha wondered why it had this bright melting gem, whatever other thing she had wanted to say faded from her brain.
No Anisha you can't let his looks make you forget his rudeness.
"You seem to want to bite at me Princess" the Prince smirked.
Taken aback by his statement, Anisha tried to school her expression, she didn't want it to be so obvious that she harbours some form of thought on him. At least not within the first week of their marriage.
Anisha looked down and didn't know what to say, she will let it go but he was still not going to have his way with her tonight.
"What makes you say so Your Highness, it must be a trick of the eye." Anisha faked a smile
Taking the coat from her shoulders and stretched it to him, Anisha stepped away from the proximity that made it hard for her to breathe and let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding in.
Lingering his eyes on her made it hard for her to take in air again as he studied her every move.
Fire crackled, Anisha thought it to be something interesting all of sudden and fixed her attention on it.
What now? Was he going to tell her to strip off right here or scoop her up? She closed her eyes to shake off that feeling of rage that was seemingly creeping it's way in. Standing there sizing her up made it all the more annoying.
"I'll go in for a bath first " The Prince informed leaving clicking sounds while he headed away.
Anisha watched him, really tall, not too muscular but quite built.
Now alone, it dawned on her that that was her husband and it felt surreal.
Why did he seem like a gentleman, but that doesn't change the fact that he left his bride all to herself the whole day and only appeared on the wedding night.
What a joke.
A tired yawn escaped Anisha and the next time she opened her eyes, it was morning.
Raising her head to the direct hit from daylight, Anisha shut her eyes then opened it slowly, the feel of the bed and sheets sent her jolting upright.
She clunged on to the sheets, wondering when she had got to bed, remembering the Prince her husband and wether they .... Anisha quickly directed her gaze downwards, at the same time her memories juggled.
"Good Morning My Lady, it's almost time for breakfast, let's help you get ready." Anisha's maidservant Madlyn drew her from her thoughts, their faces a reminder, her home had changed.
Arriving at the vastness of the dining hall, the long tables stretched into emptiness. Anisha found a woman already seated. The woman whom she perceived to be the Queen looked fixedly at her.
"Your Majesty, Pleased to meet you. Hope you had a pleasant night"
It appeared like they were here to have a conversation and not for breakfast as the rest of the family were not present including her husband.
"Indeed" The Queen replied in a less welcoming tone than Anisha had expected in the midst of soft clatter as servants placed out the dishes. Roasted Turkeys, scrambled eggs and several other delicacies wafted.
They soon got into eating, touching on the deal and partnership between their kingdoms. On the other hand, Anisha deliberated on asking the Queen why the other family members were not present including her husband.
Twirling the utensils with tightened grip, this husband of hers was just something else. The Queen seemed to notice the change in her countenance but didn't bother to inquire.
Clank, Anisha gently placed down her fork, the food tasted bland, she couldn't eat anymore.
"Your Majesty, I would like to take a tour of the Palace, I'm done eating."
The Queen replied, "That's not a problem, Primrose our butler would be your tour guide."
This mother-in-law was not the least welcoming like she had noticed earlier, as a mother that she is to her now been married to her son, she should have been suggested coming with her. Anisha decided to not let that bother her.
Thinking for a moment, Anisha also decided she was not going to be left wondering and speculating, after all she was now a member of this family, a Princess of Hazucia by marriage.
"Your Majesty, seeing it's just the two of us, it's so thoughtful of the entire family to give me a chance to get to know you."
Queen Pearlyn responded with a blank expression "Not quite, My son couldn't make it as to the reason he's not here with us."
Struck with confusion due to the Queen's words, Anisha asked, "Before getting married to Prince Nhel, I heard this Kingdom birthed three outstanding Princes, hearing you…,
The Queen cut in, her gaze sharpened, "By far, how many have you seen around here?"
Anisha offered a stiff smile.
"I didn't intend to be inquisitive Your Majesty, my apologies."
Delicately cutting out a piece of meat, Queen Pearlyn waved it off, just then, Nhel entered the room, face without emotions, giving Anisha an intent look.
Straightaway, events from last night flooded in, Anisha quickly looked away.
Stroding over to where she was, Nhel sensed her shyness. Her plates had rarely been touched.
"Isn't the food to your liking?" He inquired pretending to not have seen his mother.
Anisha glanced at the Queen for a brief second, who seemed distinctly displeased.
"Of course it is, I'm not just hungry, thanks for your concern Your Highness."
"You may call me by my name," he had a hint of a smile.
Recalling last night again, curiosity flickered in her eyes.
"Greetings Mother," Nhel finally acknowledged the Queen. "I would like to take my wife out for a walk, she seems to can't eat around you."
The air turned icy that instant, Anisha was taken aback by his words and the air around them. The Queen narrowed her eyes then suddenly let out a small laughter.
"That's Fine, but how about I brief your wife because she was curious about the other Princes of this Palace and why they are not here taking a meal with us."
Nhel who had had an aggravating smile suddenly turned dark.
"How about next time your Majesty, I have an headache, nothing too disturbing but I would still like to go in and rest."
As much as Anisha wanted to know what happened to the other Princes, she was not ready yet as their confrontations really made her head spin.
Yes she was never close with her parents but they weren't any form of hostility between them like she was witnessing now.
"Oh poor child, how sad it is for you to have an aching head just few hours of being with him. I can assure you if he does anything that hurts you, do not hesitate to come to me."
Founding her words to be really distasteful, this Queen was provoking, why must she use her words against him. Right at that moment, Anisha felt bad for saying what she had said earlier.
Anisha turned to Nhel standing next to her, heaving in supressed rage.
"Nhel, I think going out for that walk would make me feel better, I became somewhat sick the instant I stepped in here.
Nhel became thrown off by what Anisha had said, her words directed at the queen, and something hit him the manner in which she called his name.
It hit different as it was void of mock and despise.
He wondered how much his mother told her already. Nhel hoped she would not treat him the way others did as the queen was already feeding her what he believed was lies about him however he had to admit, those lies looked like the truth that he himself sometimes believed was true.