Chapter 13: Royal Hearthstone Hotel
 
Vishiea’s POV
 
“Good morning, Lady Anastasia,” All of the maids I saw in the hallway greeted me with a smile on their faces. I only nodded to acknowledge them.
 
I wanted to have my breakfast outside the palace; I didn’t want to join the king today. I don’t want to be rude or something else; I just don’t have the mood.
 
 Last night, I did not sleep well. I feel like someone’s watching me while I’m asleep. I don’t know who, but I don’t like to assume it’s him, Darius.
 
Although, there is a high possibility that it’s really him. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, “This is absurd,” I murmured. In the hallway, I met Duke Winston, I mean, Kian.
 
His serious face quickly changed when he saw me approaching. “Lady Anastasia, a pleasant morning to you,” he greeted. I nodded, “Likewise, Kian,” I replied.
 
“It’s early in the morning, yet, you’re frowning, my lady. Is there something wrong?” he asked me. I shook my head. Even if there’s something wrong, it’s none of his business.
 
“Nothing. Don’t be shocked; I’m always looked like this every morning,” I said honestly. He looked at me intently then later, he chuckled.
 
“Not a morning person then,” he commented. He’s right. I only nodded. He nodded as well, and he seemed like he was looking for the right word to say. A few seconds later, he talked.
 
“May I know where you are going then? Are you making your way to the dining room?”  he asked. I shook my head before walking again. He decided to walk beside me while patiently waiting for my words.
 
Why do I always encounter annoying people? I frowned mentally, “I’m going out,” I replied shortly. From the corner of my eye, I noticed him glancing my way.
“Why are you leaving?” he asked with curiosity. Am I obligated to answer his question? I sighed and stopped walking, “Look, I don’t really have the mood to talk now. And to answer your question, I’m going somewhere else, alone,” I said without any hesitation.
 
That might sound rude, but I don’t care. I mean, just don’t talk to me early this morning. He was slightly caught off guard by my action.
 
He slowly nodded and smiled awkwardly, “I understand. I’ll see you around then,” he said before turning his back on me.  
 
When he’s gone from my vision, I let out a sigh. That’s crazy; guilt started to consume my system. He’s only being friendly, and yet, I snapped him out.
 
Maybe, I’ll apologise later. Right. With another sigh, I resumed walking. When I reached the front door, the warriors who were guarding the entrance bowed.
 
“Lady Anastasia,” they greeted. I nodded and stood straight confidently, “I’m going out. I need a car,” I commanded.
“Sure, my lady. Kindly wait for a few moments, and we’ll arrange a car for you,” One of them responded courteously.
 
“That would be wonderful, thank you,” I replied. As I waited, I observed my surroundings. Then I saw a certain scene that captured my attention. The king was standing alone a few meters away from me. He’s looking directly into my eyes with a serious expression on his face.
 
Then slowly, he started to walk towards my direction. I swiftly averted my gaze and pretended I did not see him. I heard him clear his throat to attract my attention.
 
I turned around, feigning surprise. “Your majesty, what a pleasant surprise to see you here!”  he looked at me with a solemn expression. I put on a forced smile and asked, “Is there something I can do for you?”
 
Maintaining his silence, he continued to stare at me with a serious demeanour. Has he suddenly lost his ability to speak? I took a deep breath to compose myself. Irritation started to creep in, yet his behaviour remained unchanged.
 
I was about to talk when a royal warrior entered the scene and informed me, “Pardon, your majesty, my lady, but your car is ready,” he said. Oh, what a great timing. I looked at him and smiled, “I’ll be there, thank you.” He nodded and quickly left.
 
“If you don’t mind. I must leave now,” I saw with a bow. He remained silent, damn. That’s it; if I don’t leave now, I must lose my shit.
 
Just as I was about to leave, he captured my wrist and pulled me back. “Where are you going?” He asked in a serious tone. Is he serious? Did he choose this moment to ask me? I asked him earlier, yet he remained frustratingly silent. My mind grumbled with irritation.
 
I called all the saints, God and Goddesses to remain calm. I can do this with a smile, I replied. “I’m heading out for breakfast, your majesty,” I replied calmly.
 
He looked at me intently, “Why? You don’t want to have breakfast here?” Obviously, I wanted to answer, but I refrained myself from doing so.
 
“No offence, your majesty, but yes,” I answered honestly.
 
“I see,” he said. My gaze drifted down to his hand, which was still holding mine. I wondered when he would release my hand now that I had disclosed my reason for leaving today.
 
He looked where I was looking and let out a sigh. “All right,” he said. I assumed that he would release me now, but he did the opposite. He gently tugged me along, heading to the car the guard had readied beforehand.
 
“Let’s go,” my eyes widened in surprise. What? I gazed at him, shocked. He arched his brow, “Let’s go and have breakfast together,” he casually said.
 
What in the freaking world did he get the courage to say that? I mean, he’s still unsure that it was me. But the heck? Why is he acting this way around me? Does he already know?
 
“What are you still waiting for?” He asked when he noticed I wasn’t moving at all. I let out a sigh; all right. Is this what he wanted? He’s willing to play the game I started, huh? Quite interesting.
 
“To where you wanted to go?” He asked me as soon we got inside. I comfortably leaned back on the backseat before answering his question.
“I’m not familiar with this place, so suggest.” He nodded and looked at the man in front, our chauffeur.
 
“Royal Hearthstone Hotel,” I was slightly shocked upon hearing the place’s name. That was the place where we used to go before. And also the place where he cheated.