SMITTEN

Somehow, the Riso with the roasted beef tenderloin and red potatoes were becoming more savory for Leandro's taste that he couldn't help but have another bowl. 

He and Lady Aisha were still in the dining hall, having their breakfast after their numerous attempts to cook Riso. 

"While we're at it, I want to ask why you desire to have a tea party today? We will have a grand ball the day before our wedding," Leandro asked Lady Aisha. 

He was curious to know about it, too. It just got buried under the major issues that he has to deal with. 

It is normal for nobles to have tea parties. But he wanted to get to know more about her.. Maybe he could understand more about what 'opening his heart to himself' means. 

Meanwhile, Lady Aisha was already seated in front of her across the table. She was just helping him taste the beauty of Riso, as she said. 

Now, she was delighting in her own share of the meal. She must have missed her staple food so much that she was smiling and even tilting her head from side to side as she ate. 

"Well, I just want other people to have fun," she answered directly. Her angelic cheeks were heightened up. 

"We should eat it while it's still warm," she added in a bubbly voice.

Leandro nodded at a servant who was a member of the Kimero Clan. He immediately understood what he meant.

He drew near the table and extended his hand to the Riso stand, creating fire underneath it. 

"Whoa! Do all of you guys have superpowers here? I must probably be transported to Marvel Comics!" Lady Aisha blurted out in obvious astonishment. 

The member of the Kimero Clan scratched his head as he returned to his position. The other servants remained bowed to them.

Leandro leaned back on the chair as he stretched his taut legs under the table while gazing at Lady Aisha.

These abilities were just natural for them. But it appeared a thrilling experience in the eyes of a human from the outside world.

And her answer was a different one from what he expected. He couldn't help but be amused.

If he assessed himself, he was totally different from her. He doesn't care if he has friends or not. Or whether other people were having fun or not. He doesn't even care about his own.

He just calls for jesters from time to time for his mental health's sake. But if he would just call for them just because he wanted to have fun, that is very rare.

That was probably why he was smitten with Lady Aisha. She was literally like a ray of sunshine to him.

"That is nice of you to think about others' enjoyment, aside from your own. You must have a lot of friends in your former world," he couldn't help but comment as his sparkling amethyst eyes drank her in.

"Well, to be honest, I'm not just doing it for them. I'm also doing it for myself. When they're happy, they'll stay with me," Aisha answered straightaway. But her voice wavered as she spoke the last sentence, making her press her pink, soft lips as if she has said something that she shouldn't have.

She froze for a few seconds before she continued with her meal. But her shoulders hunched, and her mouth went downwards.

They were already finished with the main course. So the other servants came in and poured some tea.

That was his favorite part after a meal. But now he didn't even notice it. 

It seemed a heavy numbness invaded his chest, squeezing away the warm emotions he was feeling just a few minutes ago. 

By the tone of her voice, it seems like some people have left her by herself. And her response was she was giving other people what makes them happy, so it wouldn't happen again to her. 

But he hoped it's not the case. If it is, she must have a lonely life. Other people could have taken advantage of her.

His thick brows crinkled as he watched her fight her probably chaotic emotions inside her while still managing to eat.

His heart was so troubled that he couldn't help but ask, "And their staying didn't hurt you in any way?"

His question must have hit a button, as she suddenly stopped eating and put her trembling hands on her lap.

"I'm full already. Maybe I should leave now, so I can prepare for the teaparty." She smiled, but they didn't reach her eyes.

Her cheerful disposition suddenly went dim, as if a dark cloud covered the sun's beaming rays.

Leandro was taken aback by her response. 

Even without her saying anything, he knew his suspicion was true. 

He stood up and was about to go to her side when another servant came in rushing with a scroll in his hand. "It's from the Centauri Clan, your Majesty."

Leandro immediately opened it, as he was afraid that they had already run out of Spelta. 

He has told Lord Sebastian, the leader of the Centauri Clan, to inform him immediately once they have a few stocks left, so he could find a way and help them. 

He didn't expect that it would be this soon. 

"Forgive us for disturbing your peace, your Majesty. But we have only a hundred sacks of Spelta to feed our families. We believe in the mercy of the Great Theos and the generosity of our King's heart. We hope you could aid us in these times of need. Signed, Lord Sebastian."

Leandro gulped as the back of his throat ached in response. He must attend to their needs at once!

He stood up and was about to leave when he noticed that Lady Aisha was staring at him with both her copper eyebrows raised. 

She must be wondering what was in the letter. 

He drew in a deep breath as he didn't want to leave her in that state. But he needed to leave.

He bowed down to her and said, "Thank you for the pleasant breakfast. Forgive me if I have to leave early, my lady. Let us have another conversation later after your tea party. But let me tell you this. That will be the last time you're having one without my permission."

Then he quickly walked away.

*************************

If your happiness depends on things, people or situations, you're bound to get hurt eventually.