chapter 6

'come here you , you're so cute' the young Sophie held a bunny in her embrace

' you have really long teeth , what are they for?' she asked the rabbit who just stared at her

' I believe the rabbit is mine ' a young handsome man said

he had Bright grey eyes and long dark hair which was packed in a ponytail, his well defined jaws and broad shoulders, he looked like a Prince in a fairy tale . Sophie was dumbstruck by his beauty and she couldn't keep her eyes off him

'miss?' he flicked her forehead to get her attention

' yours?' she finally asked

'yes, now give it back' he said and stretched out his arm to carry it

' I don't believe it yours' Sophie protested and drew the bunny closer to her

' I don't have the time nor the energy to argue " the young man said with a hint of distaste

' I saw the bunny wondering alone around the pound and besides it look like a wild bunny' Sophie did not believe him

' give me or you'll be my dinner " the man said with a smile that wasn't really a smile

' din -----?' Sophie was utterly confused.

The man came closer to her and that -- that scent

***********

" why I'm I only remembering this now ?" Sophie was too dumbstruck to think

"mom?"

Theo came to the garden knowing his mother will be there

" what are you doing kneeling on the ground ?"

"Theo?, oh,Theo , I was just picking some flowers" she said and stood before dusting her gown

" Are you OK ?" Theo asked after seeing Sophie's lost and confused expression

" I'm okay , how was the play?" she tried to change the topic

" it was fine , let's go inside"

"sure" she quickly nodded her head before walking towards the mansion, Theo turned to look at the flower with a suspicious gaze before following his mom

*************

the next day was warm and sunny not like the other which was rather quite (hmmm) -- wet.

three of the Quinn's carriage were headed towards the castle

Maria's husband (Donald Howards)was invited to the castle by the King along with some other Dukes , council men and magistrates, because James was able to get a invite he brought Sophie and Theodore to the first Queen's birthday.

the carriage passed through the tall and big pillars, the land was vast with trees and garden that were so beautiful to ever imagine .

when the carriage pulled to stop , two maids came to receive them to show them were the party was held . the hallway was very spacious and long , some beautiful paintings were hanged on the wall making the walk pleasant to the eyes , the candles were lit on the chandelier with was made with the finest diamonds. every thing was very beautiful .

The ballroom was even more spacious and luxurious, it was decorated with the finest materials .

the guest all looked like sophisticated elite, with expensive and flashing jewelries with clothes made with the finest silk.

"look dad is there" Rose wearing a bright pink dress said and pulled harry before pointing to Donald's direction

Rose was naturally a daddy's girl so she excited to see him , without waiting for harry she went to met her dad

" this way Mr and Mrs Quinn " the Butler came to invite them into the dinning hall where the feast was held .

" you go ahead , harry and I will come later with Donald " Maria informed Lucy

"oh, okay " Lucy replied before following the butler

the dinning Hall was really luxurious and spacious. the sliver cutlery were neatly placed along with the food that looked and smelled delicious.

the Quinn family had a seat , James soon engrossed himself talking with some other dukes as they waited for the King's arrival.

Sophie was more intrigued about the castle as she stared at everything with curiosity

' so this how the castle look like ?, no wonder Maria was willing to become the King's third wife '

'to live a life like this, some wouldn't even dare think to imagine '

"*sighs*" Sophie didn't know when a sigh escaped her lips

" are you alright? " she heard Theodore ask

" I'm fine " she said and held his hand " I'll be right back " she continued

" okay "

with that she left the dinning Hall , Sophie soon engrossed herself by checking the paintings and the interior design of the castle, that she didn't even know when she had walked too far .

" I'm sure this paintings would have cost a fortune ,...they sure and beautiful " she said and nodded her head approvingly

"Is that an oil painting ?,wow I've never seen one in person" Sophie was really excited.

she went closer to examine the oil painting , it was a painting of the sun set , calm and beautiful .

Her eyes went to view all the painting surrounding her , that's when she finally realized that they weren't much people around

" I must have gone to far " she said and turned to leave . in the the large and dimmed Hall way , Sophie with a fragile figure walked alone ,

" was it this way or that way ?" she soon got confused

" how did I come this far ?" Sophie couldn't help but ask herself

************

In one of the rooms seated the king with a mysterious man who looked like in is early 20s.

" thank you for coming , king Luther" said the king who looked like in his early 50 's

" the pleasure is mine " the mysterious man said with a smirk

"I was wondering ....".

" speak ".

" the king of ceria thinks so highly of himself I need someone -------"

" don't involve me in your petty fight " the young man said with a placid tone and stood up to leave

" how rude " the king muttered to him self after the mysterious man left

" My king , you have a meeting with the magistrate this afternoon" said a short man while following the mysterious man

"postpone it to tomorrow "

" yes , your Majesty "

" Pusey, reject any invitation from the king of Neva . I can't afford to talk to that ungraceful thing "

" yes , your Majesty "

the mysterious man whose name was Luther the king of Valeria along side with he's assistant Pusey.

" I'll go prepare the carriage , your Majesty "

"hmmm" Luther hummed in responses

Pusey, after saying that hurried down the hallway leaving Luther strolling behind

"Sophie" Luther suddenly spoke after seeing Sophie who looked pretty confused

"you?" she asked with her eyes wide opened .