XAVIER- Decisions and deceptions

I clenched and unclenched my fist for the umpteenth time.

I stared at Roseline's face. It held a mixture of guilt and concern. I wondered where all this left her. Was she torn between the princess and me? I should not care about her but I found myself wondering how she was doing.

"I'm sorry for her behavior. She might come off as rude but–"

I held out my hand to stop her. I did not care to hear excuses for the princess' unbecoming attitude. If I thought about it, did I have high hopes for a princess who could bully her cousin into pretending to be her?

"I'll take my leave now," I said. Her mouth dropped open at my coldness but I ignored her and walked away.

By the time I found my way to the gigantic dining hall, the table was already packed full of platters and platters of food, drinks, and meat. The princess' parents arrived just when I did and cast quizzical looks at me for being alone. I had to restrain myself from asking why they were so surprised when they knew how bratty the