Dinner

Chapter 4

Butler Asher bowed before speaking "Master and young masters I apologize if the lady is late. This butler toured lady Ashlyn in the mansion and introduced her to the maids and knights." their eyes were on Ashlyn's and not to the butler who was apologizing. "I apologize too." Ashlyn plainly said with no trace of expression was seen. There was no guilt in her eyes for being late. His father Victor waved the back of his hand "It's okay. Now sit down here *pointing the chair beside him* Ashlyn, walked to the right side of the table. The butler moved the chair for Ashlyn can sit then he pushed it forward at the right length.

Butler Asher clapped his hands twice meaning of calling the dishes out. The dishes we're all out and we're served by the maids. The soup was the first thing that was served. They were eating quietly, the quiet eating broke when their father talked "How's the soup Ashlyn?" he asked the young girl who was eating flawlessly "It's good, it's both savory and creamy. The meat is juicy and tender. Butler Asher, did the chef tenderized this in 25 minutes? I taste the spices used; Rosemary and sage. I also smell the thyme and the bold oregano used in it." she plainly explained and then she got back to eating. Butler Asher was stunned his lady's words were exact in every herb that was in the soup and the pork that takes 25 minutes to tenderize it. His father just nodded. "What a show-off," Adrian whispered but even though it was faint, Ezekiel and his father heard it and glared at him. Adrian saw their glares. His father was about to talk then suddenly butler Asher clapped his hands serving the next dish. Ashlyn on the other side was eating silently not wanting to speak in their conversation. Even though she knows what is happening, she didn't want a good show not to be seen also she doesn't want to be concluded in their little conversation.

After the second serve of the food. Dessert was the last to serve. There we're cakes, cupcakes, cream Brulee, yule log, and other delicious desserts. Still, it was silent. No one dared to speak. And then again, their father broke again the silence. "Next week I'll be hosting a party for Ashlyn. I'll be inviting all family houses in the empire to meet Ashlyn and also a member of the royal family. Ezekiel, Adrian invite your friends here." he said before he took a bite of the chocolate cake. They both shouted 'what'. Adrian stood up and banged the table "Father, why would we need to throw a party for that bastard. She's just a substitute for Charlotte. Charlotte isn't dead." he fearlessly raised his voice at his father "Father, for once Adrian is right. Charlotte isn't dead she's just lost." Ezekiel approved what his brother Adrian said. That stopped his father from eating his cake. "You have no right to talk about Charlotte. Ashlyn is part of the family. She's no substitute nor bastard. Treat her as your own little sister, not like a stranger." he coldly said. "But---" they were about to talk again when their father banged the table and shouted "Silence" one word that made them stop.

'It's all that happened in the past. In the past, the party was held and I was framed for stealing a brooch of the second prince. Hmmm.' Ashlyn was thinking while listening to their fight. "Lady Ashlyn?" butler Asher notice Ashlyn stood up. "Father, brothers I want to excuse myself. I'm already done eating. May I go back to my room?" again she plainly said with no emotions. Ashlyn just stood waiting for his father to let her go back to her room. "Ashlyn, okay you can go back." He said calmly. "Master Victor, I'll escort lady Ashlyn to her room." her father just nodded.

Butler Asher and Ashlyn walked to the stairs to her room. 'Woah, it was a good show a while ago. My father quarreled with my brothers. *she sighed* Next week's party..." she was thinking while walking to her door with butler Asher.