Chapter 8

"When at the table, you must begin from the cutlery on the outer edge." Daria recited in a bored tone.

"Yes, yes!" Madame Doyle exclaimed. "That is correct, mah deear!"

In Daria's opinion, Madame Doyle sounded far too excited over dining etiquette.

"Now, we will revise curtseying, no?"

Daria made a face as she stood along with Elaine and Heidi. Madame Doyle always insisted on curtseying over and over again, every lesson, as if they hadn't been doing it ever since they were young.

"Now, pretend I am a Royal diplomat and you will curtsey to me when I come up to you."

When Madame came up to her, Daria smiled in pride as she executed a perfect curtsey.

"Good, Princess Daria. I think you will do just fine at court tomorrow. Remember all I have taught you."

With that, Madame dismissed the three sisters and exited the room.

With a big sigh, Daria flopped onto the chair.

"Daria!" Her younger sister, Elaine was shocked, as usual. Even though 3 years younger than Daria, she was by far the most proper princess.

Heidi, Elaine's twin just laughed and followed Daria's lead.

"Heidi! What if Madame comes in again?"

"Don't worry, El! You can just tell her we fainted from our too-tight corsets." Daria replied airly.

Elaine didn't look amused as another peal of laughter emerged from Heidi.

"You have to admit, it's funny, El." Heidi managed to say after a silence.

"Daria, I hope you won't act like this tomorrow."

"Well, don't worry. Mother made me promise that I would follow your perfect example. So as long as you act the proper lady." Daria smirked.

"Really? Mother told you to follow me?" A small proud smile appeared on Elaine's face.

"Yes. But don't go getting a big head about it."

"Just because I have friends at court."

"You mean gossipy half-wit acquaintances?"

"They are my friends! You're just saying that because no one really likes you in court."

"And you think they really like you for who you are?!"

"Of course they do. You know what they secretly call you? The hermit princess. They think you an oddity of a princess!"

Daria breathed heavily. The hermit princess?

She broke her harsh stare from her sister and turned away towards the window abruptly.

"Alright…Elaine we have to go to our dance tutoring." Heidi interrupted quietly. Her voice seemed particularly loud to Daria in the stifling silence of the room.

Elaine turned and left the room with only an annoyed glance at Daria. Daria pretended not to notice from her place at the window. She stared defiantly out the window.

"Daria?"

"Yes?"

"She didn't mean it, you know."

Her heart sank at the thought of facing them all at court with only her Mother and Elaine.

"They just don't understand." Even Heidi didn't sound convinced by her own words.

"But it's true, isn't it? I really am a hermit to them. I don't talk to them at all. It's only because I'm the Princess they even tolerate me." Daria replied sadly.

"Daria…"

"Heidi! Are you coming yet? We have to get there early, remember? Lord Nicholas and Edward are joining our lesson today. I have to get ready."

Elaine's impatient voice came from the doorway.

Heidi turned back to Daria.

"I'll talk to you later then, okay?" She said softly.

Daria nodded silently then realized that Heidi couldn't see her.

"Yes, alright. Maybe after lunch?"

"Heidi! Hurry up!"

Heidi gave a small noise of annoyance and hurried out the door.

Daria relaxed her tensed shoulder. She couldn't get her sisters' words out of her head.

Much as she wanted to deny it and say her sister was just being spiteful, she knew it was true. It was what the people thought.

She focused her eyes on the gardens through the tall glass windows. It was still an hour or two before lunch would begin.

Maybe I should go and ride? It's been awhile since I've seen Destiny.

Just then, through the palace gates, the Royal post-delivery man came riding through. She noticed it was a new younger man wearing a dark blue coat. Daria wondered what had happened to the previous older one. This man looked only a few years younger than her. Daria's eyes remained fixed on this man as he dismounted off his horse.

Prince Derek appeared from around the corner of the Palace building. He walked up to the man and appeared to introduce himself. The man rifled through his baggage, handed Prince Derek a solitary sheaf of paper and then walked into the palace.

Prince Derek remained outside, in the courtyard. He broke the wax seal and unfolded the parchment. From Daria's vantage she could see a frown appearing quickly on his face and then disappearing just as quickly. He then looked around cautiously and then strode off.

Wanting to catch him before he entered the vast expanse of the garden, she rushed outside the room and out the palace as fast as she could. She was out in the morning sun before she knew it, gasping for breath.

Daria silently cursed the tight bodice she had on. She leaned against the wall in the courtyard, trying to steady her breath. Darn, I just had to wear the stiffest-

"Excuse me, m'lady. Are you alright?"

She jumped slightly at the sound of the voice and gave a strangled sort of yelp. She whirled around and came face-to-face with the new Royal Deliverer she had seen from the window.

He seemed surprised at her reaction and had his eyebrows raised slightly in a polite way.

"You scared me!" The sudden shock made her forget to curb her usual bluntness. She winced silently; she could already hear her Mother's reprimanding voice.

If he had been taken aback by her response, he showed no sign of it.

"I saw you leaning against the wall. I just wanted to see if I could be of any assistance to a lovely lady such as you?" Here he gave a little bow.

Daria raised her eyebrows. Is he mocking me? She thought, amused.

She grinned slightly. The man obviously was new. He didn't even realize who she was.

"No, indeed. This lovely lady was just a little out-of-breath." She returned playfully. Daria was shocked at herself. Was she actually speaking freely and without reserve to a stranger? With ease?

A brilliant smile broke out across his face as he realized she wasn't serious.

"I'm Nathaniel D'Orwood. Honoured to make your acquaintance. May I enquire the lovely lady's name?" He stepped forward.

Daria gasped. She realized two things at once. He was a D'Orwood. A handsome D'Orwood, at that. The D'Orwoods owned the largest lands in Blaven. The entire province in the South had been governed by successive Lord D'Orwoods for more than half a century.

While all this was going on in her head, she was also surveying him quickly. He was good-looking, there was no doubt. Hazel hair and hazel eyes. He also had a heart-melting smile that was genuine and friendly.

"Yes, that's right. So you've figured it out." He nodded his head at her. "Just Nathaniel D'Orwood, not yet Lord. At your service."

She gave a small laugh.

So he wasn't Lord yet. She didn't really remember how old the current Lord D'Orwood was. In fact, she didn't think she had ever met him, she realized with a frown.

And here was I thinking, I had met every single noble in Blaven!

The capital of Blaven, Lyme, was situated in the North-west province. It wasn't a surprise that maybe the Lord all the way from the South didn't travel often.

She realized he was still waiting for her response. She cleared her throat slightly.

"Daria. You can call me that." If he was all the way from the South, maybe he wouldn't know anything about her. He would probably want to get away from her as soon as he realized. That was most of the reaction she got. Unless, he was the type to try to charm Royalty for his own gain. But she didn't think he was.

"Daria? As in Princess Daria?" The look in his eye told her he had already figured it out.

Well, he's definitely intelligent. That was the fastest anyone's taken to figure it out.

She nodded her head reluctantly, not saying a word.

"Wow…er, I mean. I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't realize it was you." He managed. "…er, I meant, that, I have never been to Blaven before, so I don't really no anyone. I didn't mean any offense."

Daria thought that was one of the funniest reactions she had ever received. It was such a difference from what his attitude had been like before.

The thought saddened her slightly.

"It's okay." She nodded at him. "I wasn't acting very Princess-y before, was I?"

He relaxed slightly.

Daria suddenly frowned; she could see him tense up again.

"Wait. Before, I saw you deliver the Royal mail through the window." She raised her eyebrows. "Why is a noble son of Lord D'Orwood, delivering mail?"

Heidi and Lara had always told her she looked very intimidating when she raised her eyebrows. Apparently, Nathaniel D'Orwood thought so too.

He suddenly looked embarrassed, instead of just awkward.

"Well," He began. "My father decide to send me on a little visit to Blaven because I have recently come of age. I was walking in the markets and I saw this horse just standing there. So, I thought, why not have a little fun? I hopped on and well, the horse just galloped of its' own accord to the palace."

"You didn't happen to realize the bag of mail?"

"Er…I guess, I was too busy trying to get away from this old man who was yelling at me." He grinned sheepishly. "I suppose he is the normal Royal Deliverer, huh?"

Daria felt a laugh bubble up from inside her. Soon, both she and Nathaniel were laughing good-naturedly.

He seemed to relax once he realized she wasn't mad or insulted by him.

"Well, it was an honour to meet you, Princess."

"No, just call me Daria. I get so sick of titles sometimes, don't you?"

"Yeah, I know." Something about his voice made her really believe him.

"So, I guess I'll just conveniently forget about your little mail escapade and you'll just conveniently forget I'm a Princess and talk to me like a real person." She offered.

He looked surprised at her remark and looked at her closely. She could feel herself blush under his close scrutiny.

"It's a deal." A smile broke out once again on his face.

"So, do you always do that? Try to pretend you're not a princess, I mean." He continued.

"Yeah, sometimes. It's better for my sanity."

"You know, I've never actually ever met anyone like you."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Yes, how could you ever think otherwise?" He gave a cheeky smile at that.

A silence descended for a moment. It was one of those rare times that Daria didn't feel awkward. Nathaniel D'Orwood just didn't make her feel nervous like all the other nobles did.

"Do you realize we've been standing here for a long time?"

"Let's go to the garden then. It's one of my favourite places in the palace." Daria led the way, while he followed.

"Wow, it's beautiful. And so large!"

"Did you know, you were quite funny when you realized I was actually the Princess. You should've seen your face!" Daria teased.

He jerked his head up from observing the river that ran through a corner of the gardens.

"It was a big shock, you know. I didn't know if you were offended or not."

"Can I tell you something,…?" Daria drifted off. She didn't really know what to call him. He hadn't invited her to address her by his first name, nor did he have a title.

"Nat," He said quickly. "All my friends call me that."

"Nat, then,…You're not really like any noble I've met. You're…I don't know, more friendly."

Nat didn't say anything. But she could tell that he knew what she meant by his look.

"I know this is kind of a strange thing to say, for someone you've just met…" She continued.

"It's alright. I'm starting to get used to the blunt things you say."

"Be careful, you! Aren't you afraid that I'll order for you to be beheaded!"

"Alright, Princess," He did an exaggerated bow. "Why don't you give me a tour of the palace?"

She just laughed. "Well, only if you can catch up."

The tour was quickly conducted and soon Daria and Nat were lounging about in the library.

"Nat, it's nearly lunch. Why don't you join us? You should meet my family."

"I don't know. It's really short notice."

"That can be settled. You know, since this is your first visit to Blaven, my Father and Mother would most definitely invite you to stay at the Palace and attend court."

"I can just stay at the inn, it doesn't bother me that much."

Daria was about to open her mouth to argue more when she was interrupted.

"Daria, honey, is that you?" The King emerged from behind one of the numerous bookshelves.

"Father!" Daria went forward.

Luckily, Nat had caught on by this time that it was King Stephen. He gave a bow when the King turned his gaze on him.

"Father, this is Nathaniel D'Orwood." She led her Father forward by the arm. "Nat, this is my Father, King Stephen."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

"Pleasure for me too. How is your father, these days, sir?"

"He is in good health."

"How old are you? You are of age now, are you not?"

"I turned eighteen just two months ago."

So, he's only a year older than me, thought Daria, listening to the exchange between the two men. He looks far older, though.

"Well, then, since you are here for your first visit. You are welcome to stay at the Palace. In fact, please join us for lunch. I am sure my wife and children should like to make your acquaintance."

With the King's offer, Nat could only oblige. A servant was sent for his belongings from the inn and soon he was taken to his room to prepare for lunch.

Daria and the King remained in the library, seated on the two couches. It reminded Daria of when she was little and her Father wasn't King yet. He always had more time to just talk then.

"Well, Daria." The King turned toward his daughter. "Your mother told me of you attending court. I'm afraid I cannot dissuade her. She is set upon it."

"Unfortunately."

He gave a wry smile. "I'm afraid you'll just have to bear it as well as you can. Maybe Prince Derek will be there. You can even persuade your new friend to attend with you."

"I'm so nervous. What if I do something stupid? Or I don't know what to say?" Daria said in a small voice. Suddenly, for the first time, she began seriously contemplating the idea of her at court.

"I'm not like Mother or Elaine. I can't do it!" she turned toward her Father, biting her lip.

The King surveyed Daria thoughtfully. "When my Mother forced me to attend court when I became of age, I was secretly nervous too. Of course, I didn't confess that to anyone. The Crown Prince was supposed to show no weaknesses to outsiders, at least that was what my Mother believed."

"You never told me that." Daria was intrigued. "So, how did you go?"

"Not bad, actually. Just remember, when in doubt, just smile and nod."

"I doubt that is going to get me through it. I have this feeling that some of those court gossips expect more than just a smile and nod."

"You are a Princess, Daria. It's in your blood. You will find it in you to act the Royal Princess we both know you are inside."

How different her Father was from her Mother! While she tried to help Daria, she just didn't understand her daughter's perspective. Her Father always knew just what to say and could give suitable advice to Daria.

Daria smiled. She felt more composed and ready, after what her Father had said. It allowed her to push what Elaine had said earlier on.

"Thank you, papa." She felt surprised. She hadn't called her father that since she was fourteen.

The King smiled proudly at Daria and said, "Come, we must go to lunch now. And on the way, why don't you tell me what you have been learning from Sir Hilton this week. You have been going to your lessons?"

"Not since the last lesson where you and Derek visited." Daria replied as they were walking down the hall.

The King raised his eyebrow.

"I've just been so busy, with attending court, Mother has made me have more lessons." She hurriedly explained.

"Well, I expect you will catch up your studies after all this fuss is over."

"Yes, of course."

They entered the dining room. Lunch was more informal, so they did not need to wait in the drawing room before been announced.

The Queen, Prince Derek, her brother and sisters were already seated there. Derek caught her eye and smiled handsomely, while her family looked on amused as she blushed.

There was a loud bustle as Countess Harriet made her dramatic entrance.

"My, I do apologise for being so dreadfully late!" She exclaimed with a hurried curtsey.

"No, no, Harriet. It is alright." The Queen replied kindly.

"I have an announcement to make. There will be a guest joining us for the next month or so. I have taken the liberty to invite him to dine with us today." The King cleared his throat and looked around the room.

"Who is it, Father?" asked Heidi, curious.

"It is the eldest son of Lord D'Orwood." He announced.

"Lord D'Orwood? He has a son? I never knew that." The Queen said.

"That is probably because his family has never presented him at court before. This is his first visit." Daria supplied.

She could feel everyone's eyes turn on her with curiosity.

"How do you know, Daria?" Charles questioned.

"I met him this morning."

"Is he handsome?" This was asked by the Countess.

"Now, now. I am sure you will all see for yourself in a moment." The King interrupted.

Just then, Nat walked through the doors and bowed to all the occupants of the dining room. "Your Highnesses."

The King bowed back in return. "Daria, perhaps you would like to make the introductions?"

Daria lifted her eyes from looking at the ground while curtseying. She was surprised. Her father normally made the introductions.

"Yes," she began slightly apprehensively. "You have already met my father."

Nat flashed a smile in her direction when she spoke up. Daria could see the Countess bristle slightly from the corner of her eye.

"This is my Mother, the Queen. My brother Charles and my sisters Elaine and Heidi." She went through her family and then turned toward the remaining two.

"Countess Harriet. She is a close friend of the family." A slight exaggeration, but, oh well, if only to be polite.

The Countess simpered at Nat. Daria could sense a replay of what had happened when she was introduced to Prince Derek.

"And Prince Derek of Swarical."

There was a moment of tenseness when the two men surveyed each other. Though Nat was younger, Daria noticed he was taller than Prince Derek. Daria wondered if Derek recognized Nat as the delivery-man.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. " The awkward moment was over and Nat was smiling again, without seriousness.

Throughout the meal, Daria found herself seated next to Derek and Elaine. Luckily for Daria, the Countess Harriet was seated at the other end of the table next to Nat. Though, Daria reflected that maybe Nat wasn't as lucky.

She found Prince Derek as agreeable as he had always been. She thought for certain that Lara must have been wrong.

She could talk to him easily about books, music and even politics.

"I'm surprised that you were educated on social politics." He expressed.

"Yes, it is not usual, is it? None of my sisters have expressed an interest in it, so only I have been tutored with Charlie."

"I see. And you enjoy it?"

"Yes."

There was a small pause before he began again.

"Do you like horse riding, Princess?"

She expressed a definite love for it and soon, she agreed to a ride with him the next morning.

Then she remembered what she had wanted to ask him when she saw him in the window this morning.

"I was looking for you this morning," he was saying. "I would have liked to go for a ride."

"I was having lessons." She explained. "Etiquette lessons. I saw you from the window though."

"Really?"

"Yes, only for a while though. You just came out to get the mail and then you walked away into the garden."

"Oh yes, I remember now."

"You looked quite worried when you read the mail. Is everything alright?" Secretly, she was very curious about what could have been in the letter to make him have such a reaction.

"Everything is fine. It was just news from my Father about Swarical affairs."

His face looked honest. So Daria believed him. But she didn't really understand how the frown fit in.

"And how are the affairs?" She pressed.

"Going excellently. Just trade agreements between Swarical and Blaven."

"Is that the diplomatic business you mentioned to me?"

"Diplomatic business…?" For a second, his blue eyes clouded with confusion. "Oh, that. Yes."

"I see."

"But you shouldn't worry about that. It is all nearly resolved." He brushed it aside. "Tell me, what are your plans for this afternoon?"

Daria was a bit surprised at his brushing aside the topic so quickly. She supposed it was probably because that was all he had been dealing with lately and he was probably sick of it.

"Well, I havn't really decided. Maybe I might catch up on a few lessons with Sir Hilton. I have been rather busy lately."

Secretly, Daria had wanted to find Lara and talk to her. But Derek's question had made her realize that she needed to catch up on her lessons.

She looked over towards the other end of the table and caught Nat's eyes.

His eyes twinkled slightly as he gestured towards Countess Harriet silently. She returned his smile.

Daria was interrupted by Derek's slight cough. She turned her head around to look at him, when she noticed that he was staring at her intently.

The close gaze made her blush slightly before he seemed to snap out of a trance.

"I'm, sorry, Princess." He blushed and immediately began. "You look very beautiful tonight."

She could feel herself getting hotter and hotter. Stop it, be rational. I can't be in love with him already. That's just stupid.

"Thank you." That was all Daria could manage in all the flurry of emotions.

Derek just gave her a winning smile before turning back to face the table.

Daria looked up to see Nat still looking at her. The smile was gone from his face. Instead, a thoughtful expression was in place. When he saw her observing him, he too, quickly turned back.

The rest of lunch was quiet for Daria. She didn't talk to anyone.

She wondered about her feelings with Derek.

What scared her was, she wasn't sure what they really were.