Chapter 98 - The Apology II.

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The Author's POV.

The carriage halt in front of the castle. The tutor came down and Angelina followed her behind. Fear gripped her when she remembered the face of queen mother Daria. The wicked grin on her face on the night of the dance.

"I hope she forgives me" She mumbled.

"Did you say something to me Angelina?" The tutor halt and turned to face her. She was happy that she agreed to come with her to the castle.

"No tutor. I am nervous" she answered. Yes! For the first time in her life.

"Don't be. Remember the rules and abide by them. That's all."

It was so simple for her to say. She was the one to do all the apologies and if they were not satisfied with it, she was going to get scolded again.

"Okay tutor" Angelina said, closing her eyes. She took a deep breath and smiled. When she opened them , the tutor was smiling at her. "That is more like my student" the woman said.

When they climbed the stairs, her tutor spoke to one of the guards at the entrance door. She told them that she wanted to see Queen mother Daria. He nodded and left.

After few minutes, he returned with a smile. "She is coming." The tutor asked Angelina to cover her face with a mask because the last time, queen mother Daria told them that she did not want to see Angelina's face again.

With the basket in hands , Angelina bowed and prayed to her ancestors to make things right even if it was this once.

The giant doors opened and this time, she heard footsteps. The queen was here, she sensed her presence.

Angelina was tempted to see the people present but she dare not. Her parents warned her about disobedience and mistakes , she had to avoid them now or cry later.

"Greetings her royal majesty" the tutor said, going up to meet queen mother Daria.

"You came this morning. I hope there is no problem?" She darted her eyes towards the carriage then the girl.  Who was this strange girl and why did the tutor bring her here?

"No your majesty. We wanted to apologize to you and Prince Stefan for the shame we must have caused the royal family last night" she said ruefully. "My girl made a foolish move."

"Prince Stefan is inside. As for me, I don't have much problem if she is truly sorry about  it" Queen mother Daria said, looking at the strange girl who slapped her son.

"Thank you, your majesty. If you don't mind can she come and say sorry to you?" The tutor asked for permission. "Angelina couldn't sleep last night at all. We were restless."

Wait? We?? Angelina remembered last night vividly. And she didn't want to get up from bed because of the sweet dreams, she had. What was the tutor saying?

"Fine. Let her come" she said, facing the other side of palace.

Angelina moved to where the queen was standing. Taking her hand , she kissed her knuckles Saying "Forgive me Queen mother Daria. I didn't know that he was a prince. It was a mistake".

The queen surprised with the respect she received. She was not expecting that.

"I don't have a problem if you are saying the truth."

"Thank you, Queen mother. She brought a little gift for you" the tutor reminded Angelina of the basket she was holding.

She forgot about the cupcakes.

"What is that ?" Queen mother Daria asked with her brows furrowed in confusion.

"Cupcakes. I made them specially for you and Prince Stefan."

"I am not sure of Stefan about I will check them later" she said. One of the maids standing behind her came forward and took the basket from Angelina. "If you don't mind, please join us for breakfast."

Wow ! Breakfast with the royal family. Didn't queen mother know who they were? Witches were not allowed to dwell with the people or even dined with. The tutor was going to reject it. They had a lot practice to do today.

"Yes if course Queen mother" the tutor replied. There was much so much excitement in her voice. "We will be glad to honor your invitation".

Really? Angelina was surprised with the way she behaved. (Power changed many people) Quietly, they followed behind as the Queen mother entered the palace. There were many doors that Angelina thought they might get lost if they don't follow properly.

The stairs were different from the ones , she saw in the village. They were beautifully design and would be a good venue for baller dancers.

The maids kept going in and out from different directions. Angelina understood what was happening. They were running errands for the Royal family. Poor girls, she was happy that family was contented and they took care of all her expenses. (Not every one is lucky to have such parents) ???? ????

Finally they entered one of the doors. Before her was a long family table. There were about six women on the table with four men. The king sat closed to a woman while him…

Yes that was the annoying prince Stefan. He was playing with his food before their eyes met.

Those blue eyes were breath taking. A cold shiver ran through her spine when their gaze met. She couldn't look away even if she wanted!

But why was he was wearing green ?

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He looked at her with a start. Was he dreaming now too? She was standing in front of him wearing the same green he wore. This was the third sign. The creator was trying to shower him something and now he understood what he meant by them.

Stefan closed his eyes and opened them again.

This time she was not alone. The tutor was standing beside the girl and his mother was going back to her seat. That means she was the one who invited them here.

Before he could say anything. The girl walked to where he was and knelt down "forgive prince Stefan. Your subject is sorry".

Now, Stefan understood why the girl was here. She came to apologize to his mother. He wondered if this was the reason, she insisted on a family breakfast.

He got cup from his chair and help her sit next to him " I am not angry. It's was my fault too. Forgive me."

His mother gave him a hot look. (I understand that type of look Stefan- ????????) ????

"You are not fault my prince" the tutor said. "Don't mind Angelina, she gets angry easily."

Angelina that was her name! Stefan knew that the girl's name was going to be special. She was very beautiful with talents.

"Your name is lovely" he said, looking at her closely.

"Thank you prince Stefan."

The king was burning with anger when he saw those two together. He had other plans for Angelina and Stefan was never included in any of them .

"Enough everyone I am starving" he said, looking at Stefan. 

Lincoln was trying to make him angry but he refused to be. Stefan didn't want to start a fight in present of Angelina or her tutor. She already had this bad thought that he was a bad person.

"Join us tutor" he said to her. She smiled and sat as the breakfast was served to them.

"Stefan my dear" his mother called. "The girl…"

"Mother her name is Angelina" he reminded her.

"Okay fine" she rolled her eyes. "Angelina made cup cakes especially for you. Will you like to taste them?"

"Wow. I can't wait mother" he replied. She spoke to one of the maids serving, who left and returned with a basket.

A strong aroma could be perceived when the basket was opened. The delicious cupcakes were served to prince Stefan.

"They smell like strawberries Mother" he said, eating a piece. "mmmh . Very delicious."

"Don't I deserve a piece Angelina?" Lincoln asked. "You brought the cake only for my younger brother. That is not fair."

Stefan wondered what was going on in his brother's head. The last time their mother asked the kitchen chef to make cupcakes. He refused to eat that they made him throw up. Three days ago, his youngest wife Queen Belle, made some for him but he threw them away. Why the sudden change for Angelina's cup cakes.

"I thought you don't like cupcakes" their mother asked. She was also surprised that he wanted to eat them now.

"Yes but I want to taste this one. They smell nice" he smiled.

"Give them to him please" Stefan told the maids.

Ignoring her two sons, she shook her head. Where they trying to disgrace her in front if these villagers? They dare not. She shrugged her thoughts silently.

"Who are your parents Angelina?" Queen mother Daria asked. She wanted to know whose daughter she was dealing with. And also from the look of things,  Stefan was already falling for her.

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