Sheila was walking around the courtyard. She walked to the fountain and sat down on the pave ment. She glanced at her reflection in the water. She looked pale, probably from the work in the palace. Her eyes were darker, heavier too. I need a break seriously. She thought to herself and rinsed her face with some water from the fountain. The water rippled, scattering her reflection. As she wiped the water from her face she noticed something strange about her reflection. It wasn't reflecting it just stared back at her. After a few minutes, the face transformed into Belinda's. Sheila gasped and jumped backwards, bumping into someone. She turned around almost screaming, only to lock eyes with Delvin. She sighed then realized that she was caught away from her duty post. What is he doing here? She asked herself and turned her gaze towards the ground. "I couldn't sleep, noticed when you left" he said and walked toward the fountain. He noticed a slight rippling on the water surface. "What did you see?" He asked and walked back to her. "Nothing" she replied shaking her head. Delvin sighed. " Didn't expect you to tell me anyway" he said " there will be a ceremony for you on the day of my sister's coronation. Our grand priestess will have to make herself known to the people. " He added and glanced at her. " Sometimes I wonder, how does that beast always get the most beautiful things?" He asked. Sheila turned to him. " What did you just say?" She asked. "Nothing you didn't hear now. Is it?" He replied. "Now take me to my room. I am exhausted" he said, walking towards the castle. Sheila rolled her eyes before walking after him.
The next morning at breakfast, Belinda refused to join Delvin and Dolores at the table. In such situation, Stel was asked to take the seat beside him to his left.
As they ate, Delvin asked Sheila to take the seat beside Stel. " You will soon be seen as one of the divine nobility, you might as well learn to dine at the royal table" he said. Sheila shot him a sharp glance. " I was a princess, crown princess, before I was brought here. If anyone has dined with higher nobility, it is me" she said as she took her seat at the table. The entire room fell still. Maids lowered their heads, guards drew their swords and the head of servants fell on her face. Delvin shrugged and took another bite of his food. " I apologize for my ignorance your highness" he said . All eyes fell on Sheila. Whispers echoed down the hallway, reaching even the higher chambers of the palace. Few minutes to the end of the meal, Belinda burst through the door looking like a child deprived of its it's play. Her gaze immediately fell on Sheila and Stel seated in the space reserved for her. She cleared her throat loudly, drawing the attention of all present towards her. Delvin barely glanced at her and then returned his gaze back to Sheila. Belinda marched up to him. " I came for breakfast. But my seat was already taken" she said with a look of pride.Delvin merely shrugged
" Sorry about that. You'll have to make do with the seat beside Dolores" he said with his gaze fixed on the plate of food in front of him. After some silent protest, belinda reluctantly sat beside Dolores. As soon as she got seated, Dolores immediately stood up. "I am full brother. And I have to hurry. There is still so much to do before my coronation" she said and placed her hand on Delvin's shoulder before leaving. Stell quickly finished up and bowed slightly before leaving the room. Belinda then took the initiative to move to the chair Dolores had left. As soon as she was seated, Delvin dropped his fork with such force the entire table shook.
"Who said you could sit there?" He asked and glared at Belinda. "Well, I am your wife and should be the closest to you." She replied. Delvin suddenly threw a table knife, which missed her by a hair's width. "This meal is over" he said and left the room. Sheila immediately stood up to follow him, but Belinda called her back.
"Remember slut, he is my husband" she said. Sheila snorted in reply and chuckled " he obviously doesn't like you very much" Sheila replied and walked away.
Delvin entered his room and pulled out a portrait from under his pillow. It showed a woman seated at the dinner table, on the chair where Dolores was seated earlier. He smiled and wiped the picture gently with his finger. Sheila walked him and saw him. She didn't bother to ask any questions and just sat on the chair by the window.
" I married Belinda because I wanted to please my father, not because I love her. " Delvin broke the silence. " Back then, I had no hope of marrying any responsible beautiful woman. I mean I was the last of twelve sons." He added and placed the picture on his side drawer. " Belinda is the daughter of some duke. I married her with an altered identity and before now she lived in her father's house, even after we got married." He said. Sheila adjusted in her chair. She never truly loved him. She thought. "so why are you telling me about this?" She asked " because I finally met a woman I like. But I don't know how to tell her" he said.
Belinda entered her chamber and sent all theaids out. She stood in front of her mirror and ran her fingers through her hair. Her reflection twisted into a terrifying being. She raised her chin and the reflection went back to normal. " I have come to far to back down" she said and made a sad pouty face " I'll go apologize and talk. I must win his heart." She said and picked up a fan from the table. The object glowed with eerie light and then dimmed back to its blue colour. She turned and left the room.
" Well, you could start by sending her gifts,a well written note or just invite her over for a meal" Sheila suggested. Delvin stood up and walked towards her. "That isn't exactly possible. It would cause a serious controversy should I do any of those in purpose" he said
"Hmm... There has to be another way you can tell her" Sheila thought deeply for a moment. "Who is this girl anyway?" She asked and stood up to meet his gaze.
"Funny you should ask," he said and smiled "cause I'm looking at her right now" he said. Sheila chuckled. "Funny you should have problems wooing any girl, you are quite the sweet talker " she said and tried to walk away, but he pulled her back and kissed her deeply. She struggled to push him, but the more she fought, the tighter his hold.
At this moment, Belinda walked into the room. She dropped her fan and it hit the ground with a loud thud. Delvin finally let Sheila go and they both looked towards Belinda . The woman screamed and stomped towards Sheila, but Delvin stood between them.
"Last I checked i am king and I can do whatever I want. " He said and pulled Sheila to his side. Belinda rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue.
"What's this I hear about her being divine royalty?" She asked. Delvin's gaze darkened
Belinda chuckled.
"So you are suppoed to be sworn to purity, but here you are kissing another woman's husband, you whore. " Belinda shot at her. Then she reached out and grabbed her by the hair, pulling as hard as she could. Belinda earlier scream had attracted many servants to Delvin chamber, it also alerted Dolores. The king dowager walked into the room maintaining her poise and composure. With a simple wave of her hand, she threw Belinda across the room. .
"Like he said, he is king and can do whatever he wants even more with the divine nobility." She said and walked over to Sheila. She checked her hair and made sure no harm was done. " Do you think our god would have been pleased if you had hurt his bride? No he would have plucked out your eyes and decapitated you. " Dolores said and walked towards her sister in law. "I advise to keep your distance, for your own good. " She said and walked towards the door. She motioned for the servants to return to their posts and after a slight vow returned to her room. Belinda glared at the duo before her and then angrily walked back to her chamber.
Sheila turned to Delvin and started beating his chest while about how he had the audacity to do what he just did. Suddenly they heard a familiar growl from the roof and looked up to face the horror.