26 Dinner

The dining hall was a bit quiet except for the sound of china dishes being placed on the table in a beautiful pattern.

There were three maids who were allowed in the room and their sole purpose was to test taste and serve the three individuals who awkwardly sat together in the same room. Each had an expressionless face as they conducted their duties.

A younger maid approached Amelia pouring a purple liquid in a golden cup. The girl gave the new concubine a small smile since she was blessed to be serving the manor's mistress instead of the noblewoman. Many were terrified to serve the Lady since she was said to be extremely difficult. Apparently one maid tripped and spilled wine upon her dress in the past.

And that aid disappeared that night.

Mia smiled back whispering thanks as she quickly lowered her eyes to avoid any connection with Titus or Lady Lucy. After their interaction in the hallway, it was clear that Lucy wasn't leaving anytime soon. And tonight was Amelia's first time dining with the Prince which made it even more awkward since the noblewoman was also a guest.

Lucy sat directly across from Titus who was at the front of the dining table drinking some of the wine his own tester just poured as if bored with the whole dinner. He looked everywhere around the room as if examining the details. Everyone knew how Titus was well aware of his surroundings at all times. She admired his demeanor and was excited to spend an evening with him even though the slave sat on the side closer to the prince. Just like Amelia, this was the first meal Lucy shared with Titus.

Lady Lucy sat straight and puffed her chest trying to show more cleavage wanting to show off her best asset to the man she planned to marry. She also mimicked Titus' actions trying to show him how comparable their were together. Whenever he drank or ate, she followed his example perfectly.

Mia was quiet as she picked up her utensils and ate the meat that was given for her. Her food portions were quite smaller than the others and she wondered if it was because she wasn't use to eating such large meals. She wasn't used to the meat given to her, and somehow it was already precut since she did not have access to a knife.

She curiously thought why they purposely forgot some of her dining ware, but quickly shrugged it off since she would not have to be cutting the food.

Being in poverty, she was lucky to get two meals a day. It seemed like Titus was somehow aware of her appetite. At first she ate quickly, but she began to slow down wanting to savor the taste.

"You seem to be in a better mood than from this morning." Titus mumbled to the blonde. She may not have sensed it, but his eyes were always watching her timid movements.

Looking up into his dark brown eyes, Mia nodded and gave a small smile. Titus didn't look directly at her, but she saw a frown still upon his face making herself feel guilty from earlier. She knew better than to be rude to a Royal and was extremely lucky to not be punished for the way she spoke.

"Yes. I apologize for my actions your highness. I just haven't been able to keep up with the emotions I've been experiencing."

Titus took another swig of his wine still avoiding her beautiful green eyes. "There's no need to apologize Amelia. But there will be a few new rules for you to abide by. I can't have you acting in such ways for attention. There are healthier ways to ask for help with your new lifestyle than threatening to take your own life."

Mia looked back down at her plate realizing the prince must have requested her not to have knives because of her threat. Flinching, she realized how manipulative she was in that situation and how her mother would have been disappointed.

Lucy tried to lean forward wanting to listen to the conversation between the two, but she was unable to do so in the area she was in.

"Thank you for the dinner tonight milord." Lucy said in a happy tone wanting to direct his attention toward herself.

"Oh Lady Lucy!" Titus exclaimed looking at the redhead who seemed to be even more annoying then at the Emperors palace. "I forgot you were even here. May I ask when you are set to depart from my home?"

Lucy gulp hearing the cold response Titus seemed to always give whenever they spoke. She knew he wasn't ready to open his heart to love her yet, but she knew they could be happy with one another.

But mustering up all her courage, she kept a grin across her face and decided to keep the conversation going not wanting to loose his train of thoughts.

"Well it was quite a long journey to visit. There are a few things I wish to discuss with you your highness, if it is permitted by you, I'd like to stay just a couple of days."

Titus stopped eyeing Lucy before she spoke as he focused on his food. The large knife in his hand cut the meat smoothly as he imagined how cutting the throat of the woman across from him would feel. A small smirk spread across his face as he thought of the pain he could cause the woman.

However, Lucy took his facial feature to be positive.

"I don't believe we have any business to discuss Lucy. Your father should be able to relay the message I gave him to you from the meeting we shared. Showing up here unannounced is inappropriate for your status and position. Your prospects for marriage with fall short if you aren't more careful."

Titus took a large bite of the meat chewing with his mouth open. A small amount of blood oozed from the corner of his lips as he took another drink.

Lucy was so memorized by the display, she licked her lips in anticipation wanting to continue watching the prince. He was devishly attractive.

"But then again," Titus sighed putting his goblet back on the table, "I don't believe you have any prospects for marriage. You're getting too old."

Lucy's attention snapped back to reality as she lightly chuckled to the comment he made. She turned a bit red as he spoke of her age.

She was still of early years!

"You worry for no reason your highness. And I believe my age has made me wiser than most when it comes to who is worthy to be by my side."

"I don't worry about you. You are of no concern to me." Titus declared looking directly into her eyes. "I don't enjoy your company. I am surprised you haven't caught on sooner. As for staying in my manor, you have one day before I throw your ass outside my home."

Lucy was shocked by his aggressive behavior and didn't respond right away. Frozen in place she realized Titus had embarrassed her in front of too many ears. The capital could hear this story and make her the laughing stock of the empire.

She picked up her utensils and gave a nod acknowledging the rule Titus had placed. She then gave a big smile that was not anywhere close to genuine.

"Of course your highness. I surely appreciate your generosity." She said looking down not wanting anyone to see the tears in the corner of her eyes.

"Oh, one more thing Lucy," Titus said making Lucy glance quickly toward his direction. "I will be writing your father about this inappropriate behavior. Don't believe you won't be held accountable for such a stunt. Your father has spoiled you."

She had one day to convince him to accept her love, but at the moment, Lucy felt hopeless.