THE Knight’s Hidden Princess

Marina motioned for me to take a seat which was the last thing I wanted to do, but I took my seat while staring up at her with a well-practiced smile on my face.

"What is it Lady Marina?" I asked keeping my tone neutral, even though it was taking all of my will power to remain clam.

She smiled at me, sauntering closer, her step slow and deliberate, almost like a predator circling its prey. "Oh nothing much dear, just wanted to congratulate you on your new found boldness today. One might even wonder where that came from because I can't seem to remember you being so_" A pause! "Opinionated!"

Her voice dripped with false sickness and I instantly knew my mistake. "I know I spoke out of turn today_"

"Out of turn?" Marina asked me before she laughed out loud approaching me, "Let's be clear about one thing sweet Dahlia. You are only allowed to join the assembly because of one thing and do you know what that is?"

"Because I'm married to your son?" I responded, my answer coming out like a question.

Marina released another laughter, completely void of any humor. "Oh I couldn't care less about that darling, you are only here because of your connection to the crown. That's the only reason you are allowed to seat with us during the assembly." She said before she heaved out a sigh, "Women generally aren't allowed and the reason I am is because I've earned my spot and deserved to be treated with equal respect. Although I can't say the same about a certain spoilt princess who doesn't know when to hold her tongue!"

Ah, I see so that's where the problem lies! I thought to myself before I bowed my head. "I apologize Lady Marina, it won't happen again."

"Ensure it doesn't!" Marina snapped at me, her tone sharp brimming with authority and disdain, "I already have advisors to provide me and my son with solutions on how to manage the provinces affairs. Your only job is to make my son happy, so know your place or someone else will happily take your role!" She added giving me a cutting look and I knew she was no doubt talking about the concubine that Reagan brought in.

"I understand." I mumbled under my breath.

"Good!" Marina said before she left the room, slamming the door shut after her.

I sat still for a moment, feeling anger and uncontrollable rage war within me. My hands clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palms as I forced myself to take a deep steadying breaths. I couldn't lose control, not here, not now. After a long moment, I stood up and decided to leave the room. I opened the door only to meet Reagan standing right outside. He stood there, leaning casually against the pillar, one foot propped up and his arms crossed over his chest, as though he'd been waiting for me.

Great, as if dealing with my mother in law isn't enough! I thought to myself as I approached him with my head bowed. "My lord." I said curtly, hoping he'd let me pass without issue.

"Who are you really?" Reagan suddenly asked, his voice stopping me in my tracks.

That question caught me off guard and I raised my head up wondering exactly what he meant by that but I managed to school my features into one of confusion. "Whatever do you mean by that my lord?"

Reagan's eyes narrowed as he leaned up from where he was resting, drawing to his full height as he stared down at me. "You play the role of a dutiful lady well but there's something different about you," He said in a tone that was laced with suspicion, "I can't tell what it is and that bothers me, greatly."

I smirked at him, "While I am flattered you are thinking about me, I'm afraid I still don't understand what you are saying."

Reagan took a step closer and I had to fight the urge to retreat, "Oh I think you do, you are pretending and obviously hiding something. But make no mistake, I will definitely uncover the truth."

"Hmmm," I smiled up at him, "Assuming I have anything to hide that is."

Reagan offered me a small smile in return, "You do."

Still smiling, I took one step closer towards him. "You know, if you are so bothered about me and truly want to know more about me, then may I suggest you actually sitting down with me while we talk about mutual interests? It's called courting, I do not know if you heard of it so you might want to try it instead of you acting like a brute!" The smile vanished on my face as I spat the last words at him, my tone sharp enough to cut.

Reagan's brows went up at that but I didn't bother waiting. Turning on my heel, I strode past him, my steps echoing down the hallway as I walked towards my room.

Behind me, I heard his soft chuckle, the sound annoying. "Perhaps you should come down for dinner." He asked his voice suddenly stopping me.

I turned half way, my gaze cold. "Will she be attending?"

Reagan took a few steps closer, his boots clicking against the stone floor, "If by she you mean Celeste, my concubine then yes, she will be!"

I turned to look at him at the announcement, my jaw tightening as I met his gaze. "Then you will have to excuse my absence."

"Oh, you mistake me wife," Reagan said turning fully to stare down at me, "I wasn't asking, you will be attending this dinner and maybe then we can have that conversation."

"When I said that, I didn't mean with a third party."

Reagan arched a brow up, amusement dancing in his eyes like a cruel spark. "Who said anything about a third party, Celeste will be joining the family soon as my official concubine so it's only right I court her too, don't you think?"

Not bothering to wait for a reply, Reagan turned to leave while I just stood there, glaring at his back in anger. There was only so much I could endure before he pushed me past my breaking point which is going to be bad for him, because he has no idea what I'm capable of.