Chapter 83 - Sort The Matter Out

"I apologise for the words spoken by my father, my lord. He must have misunderstood but then what is the reason for your presence in our humble abode, your highness?"  she bowed her head and looked at him with glassy eyes to make a pitiful impact.

Finally a person who wanted to talk sensibly. Alcastra took a deep breath as he tried to curb the irritation from his voice. He did not want to ruin his image as a humble ruler or he would have already asked his knights to put everyone of them into prison.

"The man standing there," he pointed at Richard who was taken as invisible till now by everyone. "He is one of my good friends, so I wanted to have dinner with him and his wife. When the lady requested me to have a meal here so that she could introduce me to her family. That was why I was here. 

But if they are going then why would I stay here?" and waste my time further in the circus!' he added in his heart. 

From the moment he had come here he had realised that the family was nothing but a bunch of crazy people. If possible, he would have thrown each of them into the mental asylum. 

His eyes were filled with annoyance and his hands were clenched into tight fists yet he maintained the smile on his face. Thanks to the years of training he had received, he was able to keep a good control on his emotions.

His words were like a stone thrown into the calm lake, the whole family turned chaotic. They stood there frozen, while their faces had turned pale. Their lips parted but no voice came out. 

Not even once had they thought that the man could be of any importance! Though he was looking royal and dignified and his aura was stronger than all assumed that it was because of his muscular build. He could not be of higher post than a knight, as there was no way Hazel would have been in contact with a noble man.

And even if that was the case, they would have seen him! But no! None of them had ever seen Richard at any party or even heard his name!

They all continued to look at him with horror and embarrassment. They had insulted him again and again. If he would tell that to the crown prince, would they lose the favour of the crown prince.

Most importantly how strong their friendship was! The crown prince even accepted to dine with him at a mere count's house. That meant the man had the capability to overthrow their family too because of the insults they had done today.

While Diana's heart filled with fear, George was organising how he could take the benefit of the situation. 

If Richard was closer to the crown prince even if he was a knight then he could help them in meeting with the crown prince a few times. And if they would leave a good impression, they could rise in ranks. And there might be a chance that the crown prince would support their business in the future.

His eyes filled with greed when he thought of the profits he could reap through his son in law. Not even once had the thought passed his mind that Richard could deny him help. After all, Richard had married his daughter. It was only right that he would fulfil his responsibility towards his new family.

"Oh! Then it is a misunderstanding from my side, my lord! I apologise for the trouble you all had faced due to miscommunication. But since we all are here, why don't we go and sit inside the palace and have dinner together!" offered George as he bowed his head in front of the crown prince.

He did not think it was needed to apologise to Richard or Hazel since they were part of the family. 

And it was only confusion he had because they did not clear it. If only Hazel would have introduced Richard and told them that he is one the crown prince adores, then they would have accepted the marriage easily. But it was still not late. They would accept it now and forgive Hazel for her stupidity.

Alcastra did not reply as he looked at the couple. Though he did not know what the matter was, one thing was clear: the family was trying to slander Hazel when they did not know the reason for his visit. 

And Richard had not introduced himself to the family. So their relations could be anything but cordial. If the couple would not go in, why would he go back to the circus?

While Alcastra waited for the approval of Richard. Richard looked lazily at his wife! The one who would decide the fate of the Starenfoid family.

Hazel chuckled as if she had heard the biggest joke of her life. Her rosy face shining under the moonlight and her laughter that was no less than music where any man can be mesmerised by looking at her enchanting beauty, the Starenfoid family only felt their knees trembling. Nothing but fear crept up to their hearts when they looked into her cold eyes.

"My father is suffering from short term amnesia! Did he forget that he had already disowned me? Then why would I go in? If it would have been only me, then I would have forgotten all the insults you have done, but now that it comes to my husband, how could I let the matter go?" she asked as she tilted her head and looked at them coldly.

George gritted his teeth as he looked at her useless daughter who had not even once helped her in anything. Yet she had the courage now to open her mouth and rebuke him.

If only he could teach her a lesson! He would have told her very well why she could help them.

"Did I not say that it was all a misunderstanding?" he asked with a fake smile plastered on his face that was  worse than the furious face he was showing her earlier.

"The seal and sign on the parchment did not say so!" she raised her hands and showed the letter to them with an aggrieved face yet her eyes were mocking them for being a fool!

"Since that is the case. Then I invite the couple for lunch in the palace tomorrow. Tonight I am already exhausted and I suddenly remember that I have an urgent matter to handle!" mumbled Alcastra as he tried to run away.

He could not handle their drama anymore. Did the matter even have a solution? He did not want to waste all night listening to the arguments of the father and daughter.

"Wait! How could it be possible that you will leave without having a meal now! We didn't dare to dishonor you, your highness!" Amelia shook her head as tears started to fill her eyes. 

If Richard was the husband of Hazel, she still has the chance to leave a good impression on the crown prince. How could she let the matter go due to the folly of her stupid father and her dumb sister who did not even know how to behave in front of the crown prince.

Alcastra looked at the woman with a frown. Why was she making things difficult for him. But as a gentle man, he could not dishonor a lady, he still needed the approval of every noble family to be chosen as a kind ruler!

"I understand my lady. But I was not invented here by your family. Lady Hazel had invited me. So, if she would not have the meal here then I did not think it would be appropriate for me to stay."  though his words were kind, he replied in a cold and stern voice clearing that he would not argue over it any further.

Amelia smiled amiably and nodded while her nails dug deeper into her skin to the point that blood started to ooze from the scratches. But she did not let it go. 

"Hazel! I understand that you are angry at the strict behavior of the father. But the relations of blood can not be broken this way.

So, why don't we sit and talk it out later. The guests are standing at the door and you want them to return without having a meal at home. This is not how a lady should behave! You are married now, so you should understand your responsibilities.

At least, think about your husband who had come to the palace for the first time and only saw us fighting with each other. What impression would he have of our family? How would you be able to stand high in your family when you will not have the backup of your maternal family.

Think wisely and come in. Let us sort out the matter! Will you?"