Chapter 7: Royal Palace

The next day after lashing out to Rhyden, I felt so embarrassed to show my face to him but I cannot let it get to me.

Julien no longer bothers me much and keeps up checking on me as he usually does, no more nosy questions. What I order him to do, he does it immediately unlike the first few days I spent my time as Carlos. He also now brings me my breakfast to the room including my dinner.

When I got to the school, Rhyden hasnt arrived yet so I quickly placed my bag to my seat and scanned the classroom. I have arrived much earlier than usual, must have been because I wanted to avoid the family meeting that I could not care so much about. Let them have their meeting, I am giving them a favor by excluding myself.

With much time, I decided to take a little nap though not even 5 minutes, I heard two pair of shoes, making the heels of the shoes stomp on the floor making sounds of footsteps approaching to my direction. Expecting Rhyden, I lifted my head and saw not only Rhyden but also Eugene. They both walked to the same chair, Eugene's back is facing me and I could see Rhyden's face confused as of why someone is claiming his seat.

"Why are you here? Are you lost?" Eugene is the first one to speak. He placed his bag onto the table and Rhyden did it at the same time as he did.

"Sorry? This is my seat?" Rhyden replied, aware of the growing tension between the two of them.

"Since when?"

"Uhm.... The other day?"

"Heh, sorry but this is my seat." Eugene claimed and grabbed the seat and pulled it out from the desk, however, Rhyden snatched the seat and pulled it back inside under the desk. This action made Eugene spark his anger.

"Who the hell are you to take my seat?" Eugene started. Though his voice is low, it is easy to tell that he is growling in anger.

"I'm the one who made him sit there." I spoke, unknowing of what could happen.

Eugene turned his head towards me with noticeable resentment towards me in his face. His right fist is clenched already and I can see that very well. It is only by the matter of time I would get punched by him. It is so easy for him to perform violent act and Ive had a taste of it multiple t I'll mes already. It would be a lie if I were to say that I could withstand cause I really can't though I will endure it nonetheless.

"You?" He started. "You really can't just keep yourself to someone else's business. You really gotta include yourself." He walls closer to my seat and I could feel his legs touching my own legs. There's a push from his body against mine as if he is challenging me, urging me to do something just so he can do some violence. Sometimes I wonder if he does it to everyone or it's just because I'm Carlos.

I stood from my chair and went face to face with him. My chest touching his. My shoulders are tensed and my arms are stiffed on purpose, making myself look tougher than what I really am. He did the same stance as me and I knew he is confident of his own strength against mine.

"And what are you gonna do about it?" I gave him a smirk. "I only wanted to give our new classmate a seat since it is only sensible and a good classmate would do!" I said those words with a mocking tone. I tilted my head to make myself appear a little innocent and Eugene is not buying it and no one will ever buy it. I only did it so to make myself look even more daring. When I did it, Eugene looked even more pissed.

"You piece of rotten meat!" He insulted me and his right clenched hand, unclenched and quickly tried to grab me by the neck. It is a good thing I managed to duck away from his hand, although, it gave him a chance to grab me by my hair instead and dragged my head to face him.

I winced from the pain in my scalp. "Let go of me you fucking asshole!" I cussed and hit him in the face. I damaged him and he lets go of my hair and attempted to hit me back. Good thing Rhyden was still there and didn't stood still watch everything unfolds.

He grabbed Eugene's forearm and hold it still. He now stands right next to Eugene. When I saw him stop him, I looked at Rhyden with a relief look before frowning again to look at Eugene though I did not try to take advantage of hitting him back because I fear of getting into more trouble considering Rhyden is still here and there's no teacher around.

"You fucking nobody! Just who do you think you're touching!" Eugene yanked his arm back to his side which Rhyden let's go. Eugene then stood close to Rhyden the same way he did to me. This time, it is Eugene is being looked down upon since Rhyden is few inches taller than him. "Just because you're new in this section doesn't mean you'll get a special treatment. And this bitch you're sitting next with is nothing but a spoiled brat that will use you. Useless piece of shit." Eugene warned Rhyden though I think Rhyden already knew about Carlos being a bad student.

"Don't worry, I know that." Rhyden replied. I called it. "And I don't expect any special treatment either. I intend to go on my own way." Rhyden didn't hold back down and stood even closer to Eugene. I applause for Rhyden's bravery.

The bell rings perfectly before the two could get into more physical, because of Eugene of course. I did not realized until now that there were more students than it was. The other students from both of the other room next to ours were now watching by the door, watching everything happens. They all scattered back to their place when they heard the bell rang. Our classmates too are worryingly went back to their seats, especially the ones who sit close to where the three of us are.

"Well Eugene, just go away and find another seat. This seat is for Rhyden." I taunted Eugene.

"No, I'll find another seat." Rhyden is the one who spoke.

He took his bag with him and find another seat and sat at the very opposite corner of the row I am in. I am no left with Eugene again. He just gave me an insufferable look which I chose to ignore but could help but feel very watched by him everyone seconds now. The pressure is even more intense than before.

Wait wait wait! Don't go! I don't want sitting next to Eugene please!

Throughout the whole day at school, I feel mentally drained due to Eugene's eternal torture. Sitting next to him is already a torture and I could not have another interaction with Rhyden for the story because of that asshole bothering me so I sighed at the end of the day and I should just do it tomorrow instead and find a way to shake Eugene off of my back. At this point though, I think my friendship ties with Rhyden is finally over. That was pretty easy. If I knew I should have just showed my bad relationship with other people instead of doing bad things in front of him.

When I went back to the manor, Julien immediately greeted me with a quick "welcome back Master Carlos" then telling me that I need to go to the lounging room urgently. Insisting me that I must hurry and should not neglect the call of my parents. I begrudgingly agreed. When I complied so quickly, Julien asked me to change into a proper attire first instead of wearing my school uniform but I ignored him and told "Forget about it. I will be going now since you said it is urgent. Changing clothes would take more time and make them wait longer. You dont want that, do you?" Julien no longer protest.

I came to the lounging room with Julien opening the door for me. I entered and I was met with faces that are unpleasant to me though I knew to them that it is unpleasant for them to see me as well. What a family.

They are all sitting at the very large couch. Patterned in a diamond shape that gave the couch a certain texture with the fabric having light fur to give it a soft touch upon sitting. The color is deep red that matches Carlos' mother's red dress that clings to her body very well. All of them sits on the identical couch with their head turned to me and their eyes sending daggers in my way. Three brothers and two sisters. A pair of parents. Two uncles with their fiances and two aunties but one is single. They all look very good and well presentable as if they are going somewhere extravagant and here I am seeming like they are to tell me that I am not invited and brag how they got it with me excluded in the family. No that I considered myself part of them either.

"Get dress. We are invited to the royal palace." The mother spoke.

"What!? He's coming with us?" The sister, the fourth child, burst out a question and a bit of complaining. Well-- most likely a complaint.

"I thought he isn't invited. Here I am wearing my finest outfit and show it off to him and tease him that he is not coming." The third child, the brother, spoke, with his voice low and suave though not masking his distaste upon knowing I am included

Wait, I'm included? I, as well, coming with them? No way!

"Now now, even if he is talentless, that doesn't mean he is not part of the family." The unmarried auntie disrespectfully snorts and laugh, echoing to the whole room.

"Mother, please! You wouldn't want to bring that dirt with us, would you?" The youngest brother spoke. His little hand reached for his mother's own hand and looked at her with pitiful round eyes. Though it seems like his mother was not affected by his tactic.

"Enough!" The mother spoke. She ignored all the comments of Carlos' siblings, even the youngest's hand rocking her own hand to plead not to bring me along. If only his puppy eyes did work on his mother, I would have been free. "Get dress Carlos. We do not want to be late " she said. Her voice is sharp but also rough due to her age though it did not prevented her voice sounding very strong and feminine.

"And what if I don't want to?" I asked. Carrying a weight of the word called audacity in my tone. "It is just another dance or party with the royal at the first word to make it sound important. What else is there?" I fearlessly said. Trying to avert my gaze from their eyes. Trying to check my fingernails instead to divert my attention.

"That's new."

Huh?

"Most of the time you're the one who is more eager to go when it relates to the royals but now, you seem rather not interested. What has changed?" The eldest brother spoke. The heir of the family. Though his eyes does not throw daggers at me or try to kill me with his gaze or turn me into a stone although I can feel the coldness, the unwavering wind of winter inside his eyes looking at me that I could not help but feel frozen on the spot and I could not stop looking into his eyes even if I dared to.

"I..." I could not speak. But I need to try!

"I-I just realized... It isn't that important to me actually. Yeah! It isn't important to me at all since it only drains my energy without realizing I am sacrificing my own health trying to interact with other people whom I could not get use of anyways so why bother going." I tried to use an excuse I hope they do not notice a thing and only pay attention to my brattiness. Please.

The oldest brother could only look at me in silence and did not say anything anymore.

"Get dressed." The real spine chilling voice vibrated all the way to my ear and triggers my fight or flight response however, I stayed footed on the ground. I looked at the person who spoke and it's the father. The head of the family. The head of the family in third generation and also one of the most important figure and close of making his family into one of the royals if it weren't for Carlos. He must be the one who truly hates Carlos. But hey, I don't know what kind of parenting you did but you made Carlos this way and all of you, Carlos' family. This is all your fault why Carlos turned out the way he is today well-- at least, excluding me who now controls Carlos' body.

"I..." I tried to bite back with another bratty response but I was held back and purposely bit my own tongue when I saw the father's eyes looking down on me. His eyes do not show any threat whatsoever, although, I sense that he is the one who bears the most hostile eyes staring at me. Knowing the power he could wield against me all because he is the head of the family even if Carlos were to be his own blood and flesh.

I was tongue tied on the spot and frozen. If it weren't for the other family members making complaints under their breath even though I could hear them, I wouldn't have realized and completely froze on the spot. I could only give a weak "hmph" with the same spoiled bratty attitude despite my whole core of my being is completely shaken and unable to think clearly but obey.

I hurriedly walked to my room and all the way from the stairs to the hallway that leads to my chamber, my whole body is trembling. My hands could not grip the doorknob properly because I feel so weaken and I could not control my hand nor muster up a strength. I was way too overwhelmed by the father's aura and completely shriveled my spirit with just one look into my eyes that felt like it went directly to my soul.

I didn't notice that Julien followed me from behind soon. He walked right behind me and as soon as I felt his presence, I was startled to see him that I flinched when he got too close. He did not react to my movement and instead, reached for the doorknob that I had let go and twisted it to open the door then gestured me to go inside first and I did. I wasn't able to mask my fear while my chest heaving from my silent panic attack and I know I must look very pathetic in front of Julien right now. I know who he is and what he did in the story.

In order to regain my composure, I ordered Julien with the best act I could put to have my clothes be prepared. I don't know what kind of clothes that will be suitable to the occasion that is gonna have in the palace so I had Julien pick for me instead. He did as what I told him to and not too long he came to my front and present me two set of clothes. Both are extravagantly designed and probably a great outfit to wear, unfortunately, I thought wearing such clothing would get me lots of attention since I am already Carlos, famous for being a talentless black sheep in the family of Advincula and I don't wanna risk of having more factor for attraction.

"Get me something casual instead. I don't care and do not ask. Make sure I can move freely as well." I ordered. I had my right hand cover both of my eyes as I sit down on the couch. I dared not to raise my head and kept it low, my chin touching my chest. Only then did I raise it up to look at the two pair of casual clothes Julien had for me. Satisfied, I chose the blue one and not spoken a single word to Julien and he did not speak to me either and I think that is for the best. We remained quiet as a ghost as he walks me out of the manor and enter my carriage. He entered a different carriage, close to the carriage Carlos' parents.

Julien is always to be included when going to the party if Mrs. and Mr. Advincula were to attend at the palace.

No wonder we had to leave very early as soon as I got home from school. It is because the trip to the palace is very long. It has been 1 hour and a half and we are still not there. The huge palace that sits right in top of the mountain, almost touching the sky with its tall towers, does not seem to move closer to us and no matter how much gallop the horses take on the road, though I could spend few longer moments watching the palace from afar as the sun sets down to the other side of the earth to wake up the part of the world that is still on their bed. The lighting and how it touches the palace is very beautiful. The beautiful changing hue from orange to pink then to purple is magnificent to watch. I would like to etch this in my brain so it could remain clear as daylight inside my head and paint it from sheer crystal clear memory to the blank canvas. Capturing the beauty of the palace with intricate lighting's touching it's walls.

Sigh, soon I get back to painting, I would paint this immediately with no hesitation. I promise.

After unending admiration watching the palace from the moving room pulled by horses, we have reached the palace. Many people dressed with my layers and jewels on their body to look overwhelmingly extravagant. At that moment, maybe I kind of regret not wearing the first set of clothes Julien presented to me earlier when I changed my clothes but this is gonna be for the best. I hope.

As we walk up to the entrance of the palace. The third child, the sister, which I will now name Emma, walked passed me and purposely bumped to my shoulder harshly as she could and sent me almost down to the ground if it weren't for maintaining my balance. She scoffed and said "Do something tonight that would embarrass us, I am going to make sure I will suffocate you in your sleep." And after threatening me, she walked faster to the entrance and quickly changed her expression into a cheerful face and walked with grace, followed by the other family members of Advincula, and I am left behind at the bottom of the stairs though I didn't mind that. I'm not part of their family and I'm sure they no longer consider Carlos as a member of Advincula anymore anyways.

I walked on my own all the way up the entrance and I was greeted with colorful decorations. If this metaphor I am going to say is actually real, my eyes would be beaming with admiration of the palace's interior design.

Designs back in the old days are truly fascinating! Too bad we have gotten into more modernism and minimalism that I barely see intricate designs that I wanna see.

I could see various of people from different places are attending. Their attires differs to the ones I see from those who are from this kingdom. They must have had a long journey to get in here.

Though the place is great but there are too many people. Too much. I feel like suffocating.

The whole time I was just sitting behind the pillars. Changing location from one to another. Hiding behind the huge curtains. Visiting few open balconies. Going to multiple small pavilions to take a breather. And also, I am going to different tables, tasting some delicacies of their dishes and the beautifully palate desserts. I snatch some dessert from the table  two to three and sometimes four or even five! Who would have thought that even desserts here are so great though the portions are poorly rationed. Must be because of how many people would be eating and they need to scarcely divide the quantity of the desserts so everyone could get a taste. Unfortunately for them and I would apologize in advance that I would be taking their shares since one is not gonna be enough for me.

I grabbed another slice of cake. Velvet cake, not the usual flavor I would like to have but for the occasion I would have some.

"For a man, you seem very interested with sweets!" A voice, as sweet as the cake I am having, spoke behind me. "Wanna share some with me?"

I turned my head around and saw a beautiful woman standing behind me. Her dress is very flowy, plumpy and holds the very upside down wineglass shape perfectly with the folds of her dress have a satisfying curve. And the color of her dress so very well with her long spiral styled Violet hair, decorated with few pearls lingering in her hair like a sparkle in the abyss colored hair and a big ribbon that is carefully holding half of her hair on top of her head. Her eyes looked at me like a glowing golden star with full of enthusiasm.

For once, someone had looked at me with purity in their eyes and not consumed by hatred they hold against me.

She walked closer to me light as a fairy as if her long big gown with lots of layers underneath does not weigh her down. And in her hand is a small plate, small as the plate where I'm eating the velvet cake but on her plate, it is a blueberry cake.

"A blueberry cake?" I accidentally voiced out my question though I remained calm.

"Yes, it is." She smiled when I took a look at her cake.

"Hm, I didn't get to see some of it on the other tables." I kept my composure as I speak to her. Trying to keep the conversation normal as possible because this is the first time someone has spoken to me for weeks without bearing the weight of despise other people at school and at the manor have for me.

" Oh, that is because this cake is reserved for the royals! Although... I don't see anything special to it..." She used her other free hand to cup her cheek as she filled her mouth with air to make a pout face.

Gasp!

It's...

It's...

ITS THE FEMALE LEAD!

Catherine Fiona Beaumonte, the female lead of the Talent Thrones. The second born child of the neighboring kingdom. The princess of Beaumonte with a delayed crowning ceremony due to personal issues in which Catherine is fighting for her right to become the crowned princess of the Beaumonte kingdom because even if her father is the King, her mother is just a consort, not a Queen, thus, making her an illegitimate child of the royal family and half of the people in the kingdom wouldn't accept her and few other officials.

Catherine is a very beautiful woman who inherited her Father's color of hair but the golden eyes are from her mother. Her talent is singing as well and fought against Marlhin Beatriz Meinya, one of the prodigies at school, in a competition.

She met Rhyden at school. Yes, at school. She transferred school in order to enhance her talent and grow to become the best singer before the duty of the princess finally befalls onto her.

Now, Catherine Fiona Beaumonte is standing right in front of me.

WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH SHE IS SO PRETTY IN PERSONAL!!! IF ONLY I COULD EXPRESS HOW MUCH HAPPY I AM, WORDS WOULDNT SUFFICE IT NOR THROUGH HUMANE ACTION!!

I have always liked Catherine as a character in the game. Her gameplay is the most satisfying for me and her  power up stones stats are easy to get and the set is easy to achieved. She is very friendly for those who play the game for free. Her skills are-- hehe, I digress...

"Is there something wrong with my face? You're staring too much." She said then strikes a pose in a very model way. "Or youre captivated by my beauty? Hehe!" With that, she broke her pose and laughs heartfully without trying to make herself appear gentle and feminine and she didnt need to because she is very pretty and her behavior in front of me can be excused  since she is very genuine and there is no need for her to act differently, just being who she really is.

After breaking off her laugh, she tried to composed herself again, unfortunately, the plate in her hand almost slipped and if it wasnt for me, the cake wouldnt have been saved. I reached out to the falling plate and lifted it back to maintain the balance and the cake remained where it is. My hand is perfectly at the other side of the plate while her delicate hand is on the other side too.

"Oh! Thank you!" She said. She looked at me warily. She bent her body a little lower to see my face better since she is wearing high heels underneath her long gown and also because I have been keeping my head low this whole time. "You havent said a word... Did I made you uncomfortable?" her tone became sad and quickly I lifted my head and look at her.

"No no! Y-you got it all wrong. Im fine!" I said and tried to keep my head cool.

Let me compose myself first! I am way too excited seeing you right now and if I am not careful with my action, I might just make a mess of myself in front of you! Phew, okay, calm down now! Heh....

"Whew, thats great. Here! Take this cake! You saved it from falling so you will have it as a reward! Dont worry, I havent taken a bite out of it yet." She handed me the plate cheerfully then twirled to my side playfully. She looked back at me and noticed that I am not holding two plate of cake. "Oh my! Sorry I forgot!" She apologized and tried to reach for the cake she gave me though I remained holding it even when she tried to get it back.

To tell the truth, Im... also kind of curious what blueberry cake tastes like here...

"I... I want it..." I tried to sound in character of Carlos but Im afraid it sounded more of a timid attempt. Im still feeling a little bit shy towards her...

"Oh, I see! But what are you gonna do with the other cake that you're already eating?" She asked. She stood close to the huge window behind me and looked at the dark skies with stars slowly forming their sparkle from the distance.

"Im still gonna eat it." I replied and I will eat it. I honestly didnt know about this interaction with her at all and I felt a little bit awkward so I ate the remaining of the velvet cake that I have while the blueberry cake is waiting on a small chair and I remain standing up. Creating space for the desserts that I ate. After finishing the velvet cake, I did not hesitate to dig in the blueberry cake that was given to me by Catherine and ate it with delight. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and the fresh blueberry topped on the cake is plump with its flavors bursting in my mouth as I bite into it. The bread of the cake is different to the other cakes I had on the tables I visited because this is one is light and spongey and it managed to be moist and soft to eat that I dont need water to completely wash it down, though honestly, with such a great flavor like this cake, I dont want to wash that flavor down and keep the blueberry cake coming.

"You really loved it that much huh? You ate it in three whole bite!" The same sweet voice spoke right behind me. I didnt know that she is still there. I thought she had already gone to different part of the party.

I turned around to her and eagerly nodded my head. It is really delicious. "If the portion of the cake were a little bigger, I might have been able to enjoy it a little better." This time, regaining my ability to act as Carlos after calming down, I made sure to make my tone sound a little bit harsh and disappointed, making sure I appear as spoiled as Carlos is.

"Really? I could get you more!" Catherine offered.

Really!? I would love to have more! Wait-- no no! I might not be able to walk because of my stomach being so full of cakes...

"Save it, your highness. The portion could not even feed a chicken" I crossed my arms then turned my head to the side. Avoiding her gaze and making myself look cheeky as possible. Though I am very happy to see Catherine, I am in no position to have any ties with her until the day she and Rhyden were to meet school and that is where the side villain's time to shine.  So, as much as possible, I need to cut short my meeting with her tonight because I know for a fact that she and I cant be interacting like this.

That is what I said, unfortunately, I found myself being dragged by her out in the garden of the palace. Her hand holding my wrist, leading me to one of the pavilions not the I have visited earlier.

She is laughing as she forcefully drags me and making me to make a run for it so that my arm would be ripped out of my body because of how much of a brute she is right now (not that of a brute. I just dislike someone dragging me out of my will).

"Come on! Show me what you can do!" She said as we reached the pavilion. Letting go of my hand and straightly went ahead under the shed of the pavilion, leaving me by the grass and the moonlight shining down upon me. Though I am the one who's in the moonlight, her golden eyes shine even in the dark. Like a small light in the darkness. How pretty.

"Heh, seems like you have never heard of me, your highness..." I scoffed then gave her an unpleasant smile. Showing the distaste in my expression with a curved of my lips. I need to get her off of me quickly. "Im Carlos. Carlos Advincula!" I spread both of my arms for my own introduction. "The parasite in the family of Advincula. The so called useless, untalented, and a trash bastard of the family. Standing right before you, your highness." I then bowed to her respectfully before lifting my head up then gave her a crooked look.

I could see a shift of her expression. Thats good.

I slowly walked up to the pavilion, straightly to Catherine's direction. I walked towards her and she walked backwards. Trying to make a space between us but that distance is what I close to the two of us as I approach her. Cornering her against the edge of the pavilion. Her hand pressing behind her.

"Did no one ever tell you to look out for me? Oh, I already know the answer, your highness." I placed my hand right above her shoulders and leaned forward to her ear. "Someone important as you, your highness, should not wonder around in an unfamiliar places. Who knows what I might do to you." I made sure to speak so breathy against her ear and for sure she could feel my warm breath on her cheeks. Sorry for being indecent Catherine, I must do this.

(Sorry for cheesy lines. I cant convey what I want to say in more threatening way.)

"Whatever that might be, I doubt it'll be something harm to me."

"What?" I quickly pulled my head back to see her expression. Her face is relaxed and somehow maintained her calm and smile. Her composure unshaken as if she didnt hesitate to get away from me a moment ago. Her golden eyes are looking back at me and the light is still there. However, I felt a little mocked by her. I know to myself I wouldnt do anything to her but the way she said it hurt my pride. Reminds the times how much I would curse at my misbehaving classmates but could not do anything about it because Im powerless to do so,

"I dont know but looking at you, it seems like I can see through you and I know you wouldnt do anything to me. Something like an intuition I had to myself to you. Youre not gonna do anything to hurt me." Catherine widened her smile in the same optimistic attitude she had then broke away from the corner and skipping all the way outside of the pavilion. I thought she would be on her way. That wasnt the case because she looked to me. She didnt say any word but it feels like she is waiting for something. I walked out of the pavilion then she began to walk again and if I were to trail off, she would stop then look at me then proceed not to say a word to me and only does she move again is when she knew I am following her. I dont know what is with her but I followed her all the way back inside the palace though it seems like we are not going back to party because she led me outside of the ballroom then we walked through the big hallways of the palace with large, beautiful, intricate designs from the floor to the ceilings, leaving no corners untouched with the magic of beauty on it.

Only then did we stop is when she brought me to a huge door. She opened it and went inside then peeked back by the door to see me just standing outside. "Hehe! Come on! Get inside!" That was what she said  after the whole time of not speaking to me. I did as what she told me to.

Also I feel defeated by what she said and how it made me feel that I became quite.... well, I dont wanna sound pathetic.

When I went inside, much as she wanted me to, it is only us there. She closed the door behind me gently then led me tea table then rang a bell to call a maid. I stayed with her, sitting down on the table as she orders the maid with full of respect to them and patiently waited for what she had asked.

The maid entered with a tray of sweets and crackers. Another maid entered carrying a tray of tea this time then both of them set everything up neatly on the table then left us out of the room and I swear those two maids were looking at me with both confusion and suspicion. I know it because no one could hide it so easily how disgusted they are at Carlos, even just by hearing the rumors which are actually true. I dont blame them having quite a reaction upon seeing me together with the princess from the neighboring kingdom.

"See? You wouldnt do anything against me." She sipped some tea from the beautiful gold teacup then eyed me. The way she did it is neither to insult me or humiliate me. Just pure of "I proved my point" look. I didnt feel mocked unlike earlier and honestly, I feel like humoring her.

"I guess you are right, your highness." I gave a small chuckle then grab my own tea and have a taste. The chamomile tea left a new taste to my tongue. Ive never had it before. "But who knows how long I would not do anything to you." I gave Catherine a look with a sharp look then back to my tea. I can tell how she is getting some few mixed emotions inside.

"I guess, before that happen, why dont I enjoy your company for a bit while you are still tame?" she tilted her head to the side and gave me a playful giggle then set her tea down and grabbed some few of the sweets that are prepared for the two of us. She took a bite and made a delighted gesture. Her hand on the side of her cheek where she is chewing and set her eyes on what she is eating. Intrigued by her reaction, I too grabbed a piece and felt the same reaction as she did although I held back doing the gesture and remained calmed and showed an expression of appreciating the taste.

"I have heard of you. The people who are from here, especially the ones who have positions in this palace told me to be wary of you and avoid you at all cost." She started. She took the last bite of the sweet then returned to me. "What you have told me about what you are is exactly what they told me about you as well. Though I cannot help but feel enlighten to know more about you instead of worrying about how I should be cautious around you when my eyes wondered into your direction in the party." She lifted her teacup then had some few sips. I remained quiet since, I have nothing to tell her nor any to share to her.

"Talentless, a bastard, a spoiled brat, useless and the black sheep of the Advincula." she stated one by one of what Carlos is. She did not enumerate everything and most likely have missed other terms to call Carlos that is even worse but true or she spared those terms in hopes of whatever she does not want to disclose.

"Oh your highness, I wear them like a badge." I said. I laid my back on the chair and relaxed.

"How come you are so sure you are talentless? Have you never tried to do some activities? Like, you know, discover at what you are good at." She asks like she genuinely cares about me. Well, maybe she is, lying isnt part of her character and if she is right at this moment, I should indulge for a bit because I dont think I will be able to get away from her now that I am with her. I should have taken my getaway earlier before we got into this.

"Sigh, when you have maids and servants do everything for you, whats the point of doing things when they can do it for me instead?" I replied to her question. I leaned a little forward to Catherine at the table.

"Then you should try and explore new things! Things that cannot be done by the maids and servants and only by you. Why dont you try!?" She quickly gets up from her chair then stood at my side. Confused, I looked up to her as I try to finish the tea and again, I was dragged forcefully by her and made me put my tea down to the table as she led me to another chair, isolated inside the room facing the bed. She made me sit down down on that chair and she sat on the bed.

"My talent is singing! It may not be so useful for the kingdom... but my mother told me that my voice is very soothing. Like a songbird! It isnt much but it soon manifested becoming as my own talent! Some small things that we can do might be our talent in the future! Surely you have something in yourself." She enthusiastically explained. Her eyes glowed even brighter or was it the reflection of the light? Not that it matters, she herself is a bright girl.

"Seriously, when are you all people gonna stop talking about talent? Talent here talent that. Every one of you acts as if it is the most important thing in the world. These so called talents are just an excuse to become relevant in someone else's lives because they crave attention. Recognition as someone unique and incredible when in fact the talents they show are not even beneficial. Singing? Yeah sure, what your mother said may be true and what you said about it not being useful for the kingdom is true as well. Laughable. This whole structure of kingdom adorning talents over intellectuals." I said in the most harsh tone I could to Catherine. I lifted my head to give the illusion of me looking down on her with my arms crossed.

"Thats not true!" Catherine stood up to elevate herself from me. Trying to switch our places on whos gonna look down on each other, however, knowing Catherine, she isnt likely to be the one doing that. Right now, she only stood up to try to prove a point and I am not going to let her do that.

"At what part my of sentences are not true?" I said. Though I may be the one who's on the lower side including my status, my composure surely stood higher than her,

"Talents are unique! It deserves the recognition it gets, even if it were to be--"

"You are basically saying what I just said but trying to depict that EVERY talent deserves it. Maybe some do need to be recognized but think about it, Princess, it is useless. Why dont we focus more on the bigger picture than to smaller, insignificant things that we shouldnt even bother to take a look at." I stood from the chair she made me sit down and Carlos' height naturally taller than Catherine, I was able to switch back our position with me looking down on her.

"Do you think that way because your parents-- No, your whole family treated you so badly for being talentless? That made you feel like talents are just... nothing?" Catherine now asked. She showed some empathy in her eyes and I can see she truly cares, unfortunately, at this moment, I dont feel any for her.

"Trying to go for my personal affair with my family is unadvisable for argument, your highness. This is getting ridiculous. I should have just ignored you and continued my feast back at the party." I turned away from Catherine and walked towards the door. I opened it and I look back at her. "Thank you for having me, Princess Catherine. I did enjoyed some of our time together even if it was just for a short time. And I dont think all talents are nothing. Just some of it."  Those words that I let go from my lips, I left it to give indentation of my thoughts to her altogether and completely exited the room.