A Story From Zinnia

Part 29: The Ball (Chapter 2)

Still in the main hall. This royal couple danced very gracefully, like a pair of dancing birds. Accompanied by music that is getting faster and faster tempo.

Sometimes they smile at each other. They love this atmosphere.

Oliver turned around and kept turning. His hands swung left or right. His steps offset Xavier's moves. Occasionally Xavier lifted his body into the air and rewound his body. I never thought dancing like this was fun.

The dance activity ended with the two facing each other very closely and both hands are still adrift. Everyone present gave their applause. Everyone cheered happily at the chemistry of their princes and princesses.

As the final marker of the show, Xavier kissed the back of Oliver's hand.

"Good job, Oliver." Bisik Xavier while holding Oliver stranded from the dance floor.

Oliver only glanced at her and smiled proudly.

The dance is not over yet, this is just the beginning. It was time for the young nobles to dance and find their mates. Even more beautiful music is played.

While watching, Oliver invites Xavier to taste the dishes. Oliver likes sweet food so much, which is why now he invites Xavier to the cake and dessert section.

"IT'S SO DELICIOUS!" Excited Oliver whose full hand holds a lemon-flavored cupcake.

"Enak right? It's my favorite cake, lemon cake." Xavier

"Hm" Oliver nodded.

Not far from where they stood, there were some old nobles who had been staring at them with gazes that seemed to be watching them.

"Have they been looking at us since then or is this just my feeling?" Whisper Oliver to Xavier.

"Leave it, just assume they don't exist. It's your special day, pick up your chin and walk with dignity." Answer Xavier.

"You're not comfortable? If it's not convenient, we better get out of here. Want to drink wine?"

Oliver nodded, he better avoid than to constantly get a bad look.

Whispers rang out, "Isn't she the daughter of a lowly noble?",

"I heard that his father was just a secretary in the ministry.",

"He's not as elegant as we are", at all.",

"You want to be what this country is with a queen like her.",

Despite being far away from their place, Oliver could still faintly hear the evil words being thrown at him. Her cherry face turned into a slight frown.

"Not to be heard." Xavier said, realizing this.

"Wheel the wind through, they can't do anything." Reciprocity.

"B-But..."

"Sshh-now smile, we'll meet your father." Xavier

Oliver's stunned, "Dad?!"

Sure enough, Oliver saw his father standing in the distance. He misses his father very much.

"Dad!" Oliver shouted as he ran to hug his father.

"Oliver! I mean– princess." Said Mr. Eden.

"DAD, don't call me that ah." Oliver said annoyed.

"HA-HA-HA well my sweet daughter...."

"Good night, dad." Xavier.

"Sincerely, Your Majesty. Good night." Reply Mr. Eden.

"How are you?" Connect Xavier.

"I'm doing fine. Just a little miss with my little daughter." Answer Mr. Eden.

"Eeeyyy little time doang dad anyway?" Oliver.

"Then what size should it be? This big? Or this?" Mr. Eden replied by demonstrating a large round shape with his hands.

"DAD!!"

"Alright good, I miss you so much Oliver. Come here." Come here." Mr. Eden opened his arms to hug Oliver again.

In the eyes of Oliver's father, however, was still the little daughter of the Mauren family.

"Of course, while watching you dance earlier." Kekeh Mr. Eden.

"Yahhh–" whined Oliver.

"Why, son?"

"I want to go home." Lirih Oliver's.

Mr. Eden was surprised to hear those words, his eyes also silently glanced at Xavier. Many questions came to his mind, but it would be impolite if he asked them all. "Has her son been treated well here?", "Did her husband treat Oliver well?" And there are many other questions.

After marriage, Oliver never returned home or just visited his home. Because there is an unwritten rule that those who are married to members of the kingdom can not just go home to their parents. Returning home to their parents would only be a bad sign that something was wrong inside the palace. Except if it is permitted by the King or other special things.

"A-Ahh haha isn't it more comfortable here? Isn't that Oliver?" Ask Mr. Eden to melt the awkward atmosphere.

Oliver just shut up, though,

Mr. Eden can only pat his daughter's head, "It can't be so dear. Be by your husband's side, accompany him, do you understand?" Said Mr. Eden soothingly.

Oliver nodded slowly, his feelings mixed. He was not yet fully accustomed to royal life.

"Although, the door of our house is always open to welcome you home. Remember it's always Oliver." Says Mr. Eden.

"Good dad." Oliver hugged his father again, as if he didn't want to leave and there was no tomorrow.

"But the promise father should always take care of health, if anything happens quickly contact me and do not overtime too often yah– promise?" Omel Oliver's.

Mr. Eden nodded, in fact Oliver was still just like before. "Yes... I promise." Mr. Eden and Oliver hook their little fingers together, just like when Oliver was little, when Oliver promised not to leave food on his plate first.

Beside them, still loyal Xavier noticed the two of them.

'When was the last time I could be like this with dad?' his inner.

In the distance, Xavier saw a familiar figure in his eyes. A pair of jet-black-haired sisters who became his best friend first in school.

'Louise? Eveline?'

"Dad, I'm authorized to see the other guests." Xavier.

"Oh– of course, please."

Xavier walked towards them. It seems that they only came together, because he did not see their father, Mr. Morgan.

"Louis! Eveline!" Call Xavier.

"Our Honor Your Majesty."

"Our Honor Your Majesty." Say both at the same time.

Without Xavier cuddling Louis, he misses his best friend.

"Where have you been?" Xavier's words were spirit.

"I'm busy with my studies, Xavier."

"It's good to see you here again."

"So did I."

"Where's Oliver?" Ask Eveline curiously.

"Ah she was meeting with her father. Have you guys eaten?" Ask Xavier back.

"Not yet." Answer Eveline.

"Just relax, if we're hungry we'll eat." Louis.

The three of them were now just chatting lightly, talking about their busy lives lately. Connected with light jokes to melt the atmosphere.

"Sister Louis? Eveline?" Oliver said in disbelief.

Unlike Xavier who had met Eveline some time ago, Oliver never saw them again after marriage.

"Oliver!" Said Eveline who then hugged her warmly.

"It's been a long time since we've gathered like this, wahhh I don't believe this." Oliver Excited.