Chapter 57 CHAPTER 57
Lisa, Isabel, and Ethan were quietly enjoying dinner, the soft clink of cutlery and low murmurs of servants the only background sound.
Ethan looked at Lisa, his eyes sharp yet concerned. “How’s your body feeling after the shift?” he asked, voice calm but attentive.
Lisa smiled, leaning slightly back in her chair. “Much better, thanks. The herbs the healer gave me really helped, and Isabel’s been amazing with the ointments. Right now, I feel almost completely fine.”
Isabel grinned proudly, nudging Lisa gently. “See? I told you I’d take care of you properly.”
Ethan nodded, lips tightening in a small smile. “Good. Because there’s a change of plans. I’ll be the one training you, starting tomorrow morning. No need to go to the training grounds; we’ll do it here in the palace. I expect you up at five sharp.”
Lisa’s eyes widened, and she swallowed. “Five…? I…I don’t know if I can do that. I haven’t been an early riser since I came to Mooncrest… but back at Silverpine…” Her mind flashed back to Silverpine, where she used to wake at four, cleaning the house and preparing breakfast before the Hale’s even stirred.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed, his voice low and tense. “Do not compare Mooncrest to Silverpine.” His hand clenched slightly on the table edge, knuckles pale. “Just remembering all the suffering you endured there makes my blood boil. That place still stands only because the goddess commanded we do not seek vengeance yet. Understand?”
Lisa nodded quickly, cheeks warming at his intensity. “Yes… I understand.”
Ethan exhaled slowly, tension easing slightly from his shoulders, though his eyes remained watchful. “Good. Tomorrow, five sharp. Be ready.”
Before Lisa could respond, the large doors at the end of the hall swung open. A figure entered with confidence and flair. A young woman in her twenties, slightly younger than Ethan but older than Lisa, stepped into the dining room. Her hair flowed like silk over her shoulders, and her skin glimmered in the evening light. She walked with poise, her presence impossible to ignore. The woman’s gaze swept across the hall, stopping on Ethan. Without hesitation, she crossed the room and enveloped him in a tight, warm embrace. Ethan’s surprise melted into joy.
“You should have waited for me to stand up,” he joked, his lips twitching as he patted her back lightly. “That would have made the hug even better.”
“I didn’t say this was the only one I’m giving you,” she replied with a playful smirk, stepping back just enough to tease him. “Come on, stand up. I want a proper hug.”
Ethan chuckled and rose from his chair. This time, the embrace was full, mutual, and unguarded. Lisa’s eyes widened. She had never seen him this relaxed, this happy with anyone. His usual calm, commanding presence was softened, filled with warmth.
When the hug ended, the woman settled herself beside him at the table, a cheeky grin lighting her face. She called to the staff, “An extra plate, please. I’m starving, and this food looks too good to wait.”
Isabel grinned. “See, I’m not the only one who finds the food irresistible,” she whispered, nudging Lisa.
Ethan laughed lightly, shaking his head. “I see you’ve returned in style,” he said. “Everyone, meet Celine. She’s Liam’s sister, and like my small sister too. We grew up together, that’s why she won’t bow to her king.” Ethan smiled warmly as Celine gave him a smirk.
“She has Just returned from a dance competition abroad.” Ethan continued.
Celine waved casually at Lisa and Isabel, her energy bright. “I heard the princess had returned, but I didn’t know she was this beautiful,” she said, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Lisa. The girl’s cheeks flushed immediately, and she sank slightly in her seat, flustered but pleased.
Ethan’s grin widened. “She’s bold, isn’t she?” he murmured to Lisa, though she didn’t need him to say it - Celine’s personality was impossible to miss.
“Why didn’t you say you were coming back? I could have prepared properly for your return, and sent some guards to pick you at the airport.” Ethan asked, leaning slightly toward her.
“Firstly, I wanted it to be a surprise and secondly I knew everyone would make a big fuss about it. I know the people around here are always looking for a reason to celebrate.” Celine replied lightly, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. “Turns out the surprise was on me when I came home to find my brother gone. None of the family knew where he went - not even our mother, who’s an elder of the court. Liam only said he was going on a mission on behalf of the king.”
Ethan raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching. Celine nudged him playfully. “Come on, tell me, Ethan. What kind of secret mission did you send him on that even mother doesn’t know?”
Ethan laughed softly, shaking his head. “Right now I’m only an elder brother having dinner with his sisters. How would I know what the king is thinking?”
Celine raised a brow, “Well said. It’s so like you to downplay it like that. But I won’t give up yet.”
She then turned her attention fully to Lisa and Isabel, leaning slightly forward. “And now, forgive my manners, but I hope to get to know you two properly. I’m Celine.”
Lisa nodded, smiling shyly. “I’m Lisa, and this is Isabel. Welcome back.”
Celine grinned. “I can’t wait to be friends. We’ll explore the palace, the kingdom, the shops - everything. You’ll love it here.”
Isabel whispered excitedly to Lisa, “See? I told you she’s impressive. And she thinks you’re beautiful!”
Lisa’s hands went slightly to her lap, nerves and flattery mingling. Celia, inside her mind, chuckled lightly, amused at the human sensations of embarrassment.
After introductions settled, Lisa whispered to Ethan, still flushed, “I thought she was your girlfriend.”
Celine, hearing this clearly, let out a playful laugh. “What! I would never date him, He grew up in my house, causing all types of mischief with my brother and blaming it on me. He owes me a lifetime of favours to repay all the times I admitted to something he and my brother had done to my parents so they wouldn’t be punished for it.” she said lightly, nudging Ethan’s shoulder in mock seriousness.
Ethan grinned, shaking his head. “None of that happened, she’s lying.”
“Sure did!”
Celine watched the food, eyes sparkling. “I’ve missed eating everything on this table, all they gave me abroad was salad and water.” she said, giving the room a cheeky glance. Lisa and Isabel laughed along, Isabel commenting, “See, I’m not the only one who can’t resist the food.”
Celine’s laughter rang out. “Exactly. I approve of your taste, little one.” She leaned toward Lisa and Isabel, her tone conspiratorial. “I promise, after tonight, you’ll know all the best spots around the palace. We’ll have so much fun.”
Ethan leaned back, observing the interaction with quiet amusement. His eyes crinkled in the corners as he watched Celine chatter, tease, and charm the girls.