Ventiquattro

Martha wished the earth could open up to swallow her. Everyone kept looking at her funnily and exchanging side comments. She looked at her husband, he looked unperturbed by the new development, while Theodore had already taken off his jacket and had distanced himself from them.

The king walked up to them. "Lord and lady Dixon, welcome", they all paid their respect to the king. "You must have been misled by the invitation, it's just a simple dinner with friends, I apologize for the inconvenience", the king said.

"It's okay your highness, there is no need to apologize, it was also our fault for the misunderstanding", Theodore's father, Lord Dixon reassured the king.

"Shall we?", the king asked while gesturing towards the dining table. They followed the king to the table.

Fife waved Theodore over to his side, where an empty seat was. Theodore went over to him and sat down. "Thanks for keeping a chair for me", he whispered to Fife. "You are welcome, I am so glad you are here, Betty has be