SMITTEN

"And I thought that I will not be a slave here," Aisha mumbled to herself before she pursed her lips. 

Her arms were crossed together with her eyebrows. 

It was already afternoon, and she was waiting for the three to arrive. The Castle has their own private Tea Room, to her surprise, making it easy for her to make excuses for the absence of the other guests. 

Aisha was supposed to be focusing on her party. But she couldn't shake off what King Leandro said to her before he left. 

He seemed to be apprehensive about the letter that the servant brought to them while they were having breakfast. But he managed to stop and gave her a warning that this will be the last time that she's having one.

"I hope everything is alright, though," Aisha thought as she recalled the appearance of the King.

He appeared worried after he read the letter. He even left his plate still half-empty. 

She was thinking about all these things when her awaited visitors arrived. 

"I will now have a story to tell to my great-grandchildren," Martina stuttered as she wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. 

Diana and Stella rubbed her back, but it was obvious in their glowing faces that they were awestruck as they entered the halls of the Castle. 

Aisha's lips curved up in response to their reaction. She pushed her thoughts away and just decided to focus on her guests instead. 

"I'm still new here. But welcome to the Castle," Aisha slightly bowed to them with her extended hand. 

The three entered the Castle with their jaws dropped open as their eyes scanned every nook and cranny of the majestic abode.

"I felt like I'm a Princess," Diana responded as she put both her hands on her face. 

Aisha couldn't help but be reminded of her first experience in Gaea. She said the same thing herself. 

"Wait, there's more," she said with a proud smile on her face as she opened the door to the drawing-room where there were gowns and gloves and hats that they could wear while they're having the party. 

She recalled doing the same thing for her friends in her old world. But instead of gowns and gloves, they have dresses and costumes instead. Then they will go out and party all night. 

It appeared like the gowns in this room came from rich ladies who have visited the Castle who have only worn the gowns once. They look so new that they seem like they have never been touched. But they were numerous.

She realized that these people were no different. They use these tea parties to have fun and bond with each other, too.

Aisha felt like she was back to her normal self. 

"Can I wear this? I'm afraid I might tear it. I have no money to pay for it," Estella said as she touched one of the silk gowns. 

"That's the last thing you need to worry about," Aisha reassured her.

Estella's cheeks lifted in a smile as she took one of the gowns that she has been eyeing all the time. 

As soon as they were ready, they went to the Tea Room, where everything was already prepared for them. 

"The other guests said that they couldn't come. That's why you can be comfortable for the rest of the afternoon," Aisha said with a warm smile as she felt their uneasiness while standing at the door of the Tea Room with their hands trembling. 

Her words seemed believable to them, so they decided to step forward. 

While inside, their mouths seemed to water as they gulped numerous times. Their eyes devoured the dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted creams and preserves. There were also other cakes and pastries. 

Silver teapots that hold the tea were being poured over delicate bone cups. 

The three immediately seated themselves comfortably in their chosen chairs. They couldn't help but giggle as they imitate the noble ladies while having a cup of tea. 

Aisha couldn't help but chuckle with them. They look very happy. 

"Forgive us for our unkind words to you, my lady. But you are the kindest creature I have ever met. You made me change my view on humans," Martina leaned forward and gazed at her. 

"Yes, my lady. We hope you will be the Chosen One," Diana added with her hands on her chest.

"No, no, no," Aisha answered immediately while waving her hands. "I'm just following a command. I couldn't be." 

"Why not?" Estella asked with her forehead scrunched up. She was about to take a sip, but she put it down instead. 

"I don't know. I'm just not fit for it, I guess," Aisha laughed awkwardly.

Martina butted in with a stern face. "Don't tell me you are afraid of the King."

Aisha was about to say no, but Martina continued to speak, "Behind that cruel and cold demeanor is a good man, I tell you."

"Cruel and cold?" Aisha thought to herself as she recalled the King's warm kisses and smiles. "He didn't seem that way to me."

But then, she recalled how he treated other people aside from her. He was in all manners an authoritative king. Like an alpha boss in her world.

"Why is he acting differently towards me?" Her pouted lips curled up, hoping that he might like her. But they went down again when she recalled that he was not into love.

But she was glad that these three supported the King.

"Why do I keep thinking about him?" Aisha shook her head to remove her thoughts.

Estella must have sensed her inner turmoil that she blurted out, "If you need help with anything, feel free to ask us, my lady." 

As she said that, she nodded to a servant as a cue. 

"Actually I want to introduce to you a kind of food that you might have not tasted before. It is one of my favorites in my former world. Do you like to see it?"

The three looked at each other first before they responded. 

It was Martina who first spoke up, "Certainly, my lady. We know you will not poison us or plan anything against us because we are just mere peasants, right?" Then she laughed in a nervous way.

Diana and Estella did the same.

Aisha chuckled as well. She understood perfectly where they were coming from. 

She even thought that the Gaeans would eat her the first time she entered the land. 

"Of course, I know you don't trust me yet. But don't worry, I will be the one who will eat it first. I will be your food tester," Aisha said to reassure them.

The servants now delivered the rice with some meat and vegetables. 

Unlike the King, they appreciated it at once. 

"What kind of food is this? We just ate a few, and we already feel full," Diana asked as her hand flew to her tummy.

"In here, you call it Riso. But in our land, we call it rice," Aisha informed them.

"I can't believe it. I thought Riso was just for display. This could be an alternative for Spelta!"

Aisha nodded her head as they caught on to what she and Rosalia had planned. 

Just as they were already having fun, an uninvited guest came in.

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A journey well shared is a journey well enjoyed.