NOT THE USUAL CINDERELLA (Season 2)

PLAN FAILED

"Wait a minute, sweety. Hold on a little more your hunger. There's something I have to do first before we enjoy our lunch." Alvero whispered softly into Deanda's ears who immediately nodded despite not understanding why Alvero suddenly prevented her from wasting time, immediately enjoying her lunch menu.

"Avitus! Come here!" Avitus who had turned his body and intended to get out of the penthouse and in between by Ernest immediately stopped his steps once he heard the call from Alvero.

"Let's have a minute!" As soon as Avitus turned his body back, Alvero immediately repeated his command to Avitus to get closer to them, while giving a summoning sign with his hand.

Looking at Avitus who was still standing in his place, and not moving, Ernest quickly stretched his hand towards the dining table, allowing Avitus to come back closer to Alvero.

Why did your Majesty call me back? Is something wrong?

Avitus wondered inwardly, and hesitantly stepped closer towards the dining table where Alvero stood beside Deanda while tightly hugging Deanda's shoulder, it is clear that Alvero shows that he is so eager to protect Deanda.

"Avitus. Are you sure you've tasted all this food, and have you made sure it's safe?" With a sharp eye, Alvero asked Avitus who immediately looked nervous to hear Alvero's question which sounded like a person who had placed suspicion on him.

"I. Yes, Your Majesty. Already, and everything is safe." Avitus said with a slight bow of his head, as if deliberately avoiding the gaze of Alvero's eyes that were staring straight at him with a sharp gaze, a serious face, without the slightest smile.

Something Alvero used to do if something he thought was wrong or ignited his anger.

"Ernest, get a plate and a spoon to get Avitus to taste all these dishes again." Hearing how Alvero commanded, Avitus was slightly startled, and immediately glanced at Ernest who was directly carrying out Alvero's orders, albeit with a clearly visible gaze, that Ernestpun was actually wondering about what was going on.

But Ernest chose to shut up and immediately enforced Alvero's request without asking much.

"Ta. but Your Majesty. I have tasted it all...." Avitus said in a tone of voice that sounded not calm, because only this time Alvero asked him to repeat his work in tasting dishes.

"It doesn't matter Avitus. I just want to make sure once again that all the food is safe. Because today Empress Deanda felt her stomach a little uncomfortable. I don't want any trouble with all that food." Alvero said as his hand curled over Deanda's shoulder signaled to Deanda not to deny what Alvero had just said about her stomach condition.

Seeing Alvero trying to prevent him from saying that his stomach was fine, Deanda could only slightly frown while looking at Alvero who was looking at Avitus with a sharp gaze as well as probing.

What the hell is going on? What is his majesty planning against Lord Avitus? Why did the atmosphere turn into this stiff? I'd better just shut up and follow the groove, looking at what's coming next.

Deanda said inwardly while looking at how Avitus began to taste one by one the dishes that were on the table with awkward movements.

"All this food is fine, Your Majesty." Upon hearing Avitus' words, Alvero removed his arm that was coiled around his wife's shoulder, and walked closer towards Avitus.

"It seems, there is one dish that you forgot to taste Avitus. You forgot the cassoulet. Although I really do not like foods containing nuts, but it's a menu that is quite liked by the consort. So make sure that the cassoulet is also fine." Alvero said in a mediocre tone of voice, but from the look in his eyes, Avitus knew, right now, the Gracetian king was trying hard to contain his anger.

(Cassoulet is a kind of casserole, a mixture of sausage and white beans cooked together in a pan.  This food slightly resembles soup, but has a much thicker gravy texture and a heavier taste.  One serving of Cassoulet can make you feel full because of the very high fat content in it. This food is best eaten on cold days, in front of the fireplace while chatting with family.  Cuisine from Southern France has also been adapted using a variety of spices and herbs).

Hearing the orders from Alvero, Avitus involuntarily moved back two steps back with a shocked face. Even unknowingly, Avitus moved his body to the side like one intending to escape.

Seeing the suspicious movements of Avitus, Erich quickly observed in silence, swiftly moving his body to block the movements of Avitus, so Avitus' head almost hit Erich's body, which immediately moved his hand toward Avitus' shoulder, and slightly pushed him back to the dining table, to do Alvero's command.

"So I've made sure that the cassoulet is fine, Your Majesty." Nervously, Avitus said to Alvero as he looked towards the cossoulet without daring to stare at Alvero.

"Oooo... Is that so? Then please taste the cassoulet again. I just want to make sure that everything's ok." Alvero said while giving the code to Ernest, to get the cassoulet for Avitus.

As soon as Ernest thrust the plate containing the cassoulet towards Avitus, Avitus quickly turned his gaze and moved his body to move away from Ernest. Even unconsciously Avitus' hand moved slightly to keep away the plate that was being thrust by Ernest.

"Why not taste it? Is it because you've mixed that cassoulet with poison!" Alvero's questioning voice with its high tone made Avitus painstakingly swallow the saliva in his throat, which suddenly felt so bitter and hard to swallow.

As soon as Avitus could only bow, unwilling to accept the plate containing the cassoulet that Ernest was thrusting, Alvero quickly advanced closer towards Avitus.

"You! How dare you intend to poison my queen! You want to die right now!" Alvero shouted in a thunderous voice as he was so angry at Avitus.

Deanda herself, upon hearing the screams from Alvero immediately stepped back backwards while holding her stomach, with eyes glaring at her for being so shocked.

The poison? Lord Avitus is intending to poison my food and his highness Alvero...? Is lord Avitus the spy of Eliana's queen mother? Ah, my baby.... Fortunately, your father acted quickly. I can't imagine how sorry we would be if something happened to you.

Deanda said inwardly as she stroked her flat stomach, feeling grateful that today she could avoid such a terrible thing.