With the conclusion of Daniel is final deal. She bowed to the sour sovereigns. The moment she stood Ida came over grabbing the chair and moving it back in its place. The sound of Danielle is heels clacking against the stone floor gave a resident sound to the kings and queens that all looked upon her in New favorable yet unfavorable light. She took her seat once again. Her earlier headache completely gone. Of everything she had bargained for. The only thing that truly mattered was the pardon. It was crucial!
Patrick reentered the hall his staff poised in the air before too hard thoughts could be heard. Announcing the other princesses were coming back into the hall.
The princesses looked at Daniella with weariness. Wondering what she had done this time. How they had been unwitted. Or if this time she flew too high, and the kings and queens had decided to cut her wings.
King eldron had a genuine smile on his lips. Unlike the other kingdoms he hadn't been cheated. His kingdom got a great resource at a nearly free Price tag. He was in the best of moods.
Standing from his throne, he walked past the princes. Until he stood just in front of them. Looking out to the significantly small group of princesses. He wasn't sure if, the group had ever diminished this much this fast. But it was just a symbol of their relentless Spirit to achieve their goals.
"Last night we watched all of you closely. Everyone did quite well. No one was unable to make a single deal. Whatever Kingdom you joined will be very blessed." His words were kind and placating to a degree. After some princesses had been publicly shamed for their lack of foresight. "As previously stated the princess who achieved the greatest rewards for their prince will be able to join them for dinner. And have tea with my queen."
The princess is all sat up a little bit straighter. Shoulders back ready to see who would be considered the winner for each prince. Everyone already knew Danielle had one with Jasper. It's why all of the princesses had collectively decided to not get a contract for the demon kingdom. Leaving it up to Daniella to carry the weight of responsibility. In hindsight it might have been a bad idea. Considering once they saw her in the hall. And how energetic she was. But it just didn't make sense to compete with her.
"Princess Daniela, has gained the best reward for Jasper." King elderon's words were met with silence. Daniella truly was hated.
Jasper smiled, as he began to clap. The sound resonant and the silent room. Only to watch his Daniel about her head to him. As if it was a hard-fought victory. They shared a smile. And understanding between them. A certain humor that couldn't be captured by others.
"The one who has presented the best benefit for Prince Landon is Daniela." King elderon announced. The other princesses would be in for a rude awakening. Daniela had decimated the competition.
Prince Landon gave her a warm smile. Which Daniela returned. The silence in the room seem to ring a lot louder. A death bell for the other princesses. A bad omen of what was to come.
"Prince Linden received the best contract from... Princess galene.!"
As if the room had been holding their breath and stunned silence they started to clap. Feeling as if they had worried for nothing.
"Prince Miguel, has received the best contract from princess Bella."
The king's words were followed by a few gasp of disbelief. They had all heard Miguel's words against bella. They had assumed she wouldn't have been chosen.
Normally Miguel would not speak on such things. Leave it as is. But for some reason he thought of Danielle's words earlier in the day. But he didn't speak enough. Even though he was still a bit sour about not being able to make a better deal with daniella. It did not lessen his attraction towards her. "Bella's purchases were sound. She didn't do enough research to know this. But they have value. The contract she made will be pivotal during war times. She is prepared for the future."Miguel stated in defense of choosing Bella's contract.
His words silence the disgruntled princesses. King elderon continued to the final prince. His son. "And Prince Eric received the best contract from princess Daniela." King elderon finished, before heading back to his seat.
The eyes of the princesses in the hole all stared at her with barely contained hatred. Daniella stood bowing gracefully towards the king.
"Your majesty, may I make a request." Daniela asked, her voice sounding honey sweet and devoid of her natural devious intent.
King elderon Wave for her too speak.
"I am only one princess. I cannot have three kings. Nor could my stomach into so much food. I would ask your permission, to give the the honor of dinner to two other princesses. Or I could simply just choose one Prince." She stated.
King elderon was in a charitable mood. Considering the benefits that princess Danielle had brought to his kingdom. He decided that he would indulge her this request. "The choice is yours, choose wisely princess."
With a neutral expression Daniel about deeply. Before sitting back down. The ones glaring princesses all seem to have a very similar look to each other. Eager to please princess Daniela.
Patrick's loud voice permeated throughout the Paul concluding the outcome of the princesses banquet. "the princesses are dismissed. Enjoy your free time. The queen will call on each of the chosen princesses individually for afternoon tea."
With two strikes of his long staff on the ground. The hall doors opened. Allowing for the princesses to exit with their maids.
"Princess Daniela."Queen Dahlia called. Holding her before she could leave the hall.
Bowing respectfully Daniela halted in her steps. Offering a polite greeting to Jasper's mother.
"Shall we have that tea now?" Daniela watched as the older woman raised her brow and what seemed to be a question. But she knew was a command. It was rare that a king or queen ever made a request. They were always demands.
"Yes, I would be delighted." Clean Dahlia began to walk. And Daniella trails a respectful distance behind her. It was inappropriate to stand next to the queen. Especially if she was not one herself. They walk through the Grand halls and complete silence until they reached a room tucked into the East wing. The gods at the doors pulled them opened. Allowing the two women to enter. Danielle could tell they were both demons. There were small horns poking out from their skulls. Eyes that didn't have any whites. Skin ashon and almost gray looking.
The breeze and the smell of the ocean were the first things to hit Daniela is the doors opened. An entire wall was missing. No glass windows just open air. And letting the breeze, and the salty smell of the ocean. The room was bright and airy and fragmented with just the sense that we're naturally occurring. Couches were laid and various areas. And in the very middle of the room was a small table with two chairs.
Daniela waited for Queen Dahlia to sit before she did as well. Once the queen had sat down she waited, for Dahlia to indicate that she could to sit. Before taking her seat.
As much as Jasper had already told her that Delia was an ally. It felt like this was about to be a meal laced with poison. More war games for them to navigate.
Does the silence stretched between them. A servant came over with little cakes and sandwiches. Then rested two teacups with beautifully ornate Jade saucers. And poured in some fragrant tea. The steam bloomed from the cups. Is the two stared at each other and complete silence. The moment of the maid had bowed and walked away. Leaving the two women in complete seclusion. Dahlia broke the silence.
"You may soon be a widow. So we have a lot to discuss-" Dahlia said that she picked up her teacup before taking a sip. She watched Daniella to see her reaction. When she cries screwed rebelled. Or would she take the news as a royal. Even if she didn't have the crown. At this point Daniela was a representation of the demon kingdom. Every action mattered.
Author's note:
I'm just mopping and vacuuming right now. But once I'm done I'm pretty sure I'll put out another two or three chapters tonight.