Once we met our hosts, I bowed. The king's niece was a kind looking woman with light brown hair. Her daughter stepped forward.
"Hi Sammy!" She hugged him, her bright green eyes lighting up. She was a very thin girl, she gave a fragile feel to her, like a strong breeze would blow her away with ease. Samuel looked awkward in her arms. He bent down to accommodate her, but her also looked stiff.
"Hello Jessica." The once demanding and obnoxious prince I knew was gone and in his place this quiet, timid one.
Jessica's mom piped up, "Come on in, don't be shy! there is a place waiting for you at the table." She smiled.
"Thank you Mrs. Emellah." He smiled back. I followed a few steps behind them as they made their way to the table. I saw a line of maids and he pointed his head for me to join them. I blinked in understanding and stood with them. The young girl next to me stood with a smile on her face, but she hid her scarred hands behind her back. I turned my head back to face the dinner table without saying a word. She must sew a lot, I decided.
As the party went on Samuel spent a surprising amount of time dodging girl's invites. It almost seemed like he was invited AS an attraction. I had to sustain a giggle or two as the ladies walked away huffing. His cousin, Jessica was very clingy too. If I saw them without context I'd think them to be a couple.
Suddenly, one of the maid's stomachs growled. The others hushed her. I glanced in confusion. Couldn't they have some left overs from the kitchen? The girl next to me must have noticed, because she shook her head and mouthed "After". They had to sit and hungrily watch people slowly talk and eat for hours. Only then, after the party, could they eat. I frowned. The food smelled wonderful and I was starting to get hungry too. The prince glanced my direction when looking for an excuse to get away from yet another noblewoman, and called me over.
"Cecilia, take me to the bathroom, will you? Should I need anything..." He glared at the girl, but she didn't take notice.
"Yes master, you need not an explanation." I replied. He smiled once he realized I understood. Once we got away from people he handed me his folded up cloth.
"Feel free to share with the others for now, if you don't think anyone will notice." I looked up in surprise as he entered the bathroom. In the cream-colored cloth was some of the cheese-filled pastries from the table. I never expected him to be thoughtful either. I smiled.
Once we got back I passed some down the line of maids and they all gave me glances of gratitude. It seemed like forever by the time the party was over, but he let me join the inside of the carriage home.