The Legend of Gryffon

The esteemed guest II

Gabriella was internally screaming as she curtsied. The man bowed and then went on to sit beside Gabriella.

" So, Prince Myles, how was the flight", asked the Emperor with a smile on his face.

" It was fine"

Soon the food was served. Everyone began to eat. Gabriella kept on glancing at the man. This did not escape the eyes of the Emperor. He smirked and ate his food happily.

----

After dinner.

" Where did this prince come from?", asked Riley.

" I don't know. Maybe Queen Camilla decided to adopt a child", Gabriella said as she took off her black high heels and put on a pair of pink slippers.

" But why would she adopt a boy? He will eventually compete with Prince Gaylen for the title of Crown Prince. She already has enough to worry about with Lady Daisy and her daughter, Princess Annie, living in the palace", said Beatrice.

" Maybe Prince Myles is one of the other consort's son", Helena stated.

" But giving a consort's son the status of a prince is forbidden. The King fought a lot with his ministers to give Princess Annie her title", said Riley.

" Perhaps Myles' mother was one the King's favored consorts and he-"

A knock on the door cut off Gabriella. A maid came in a second later and asked Gabriella to go to the Emperor's study. Gabriella sighed, put on the black high heels, and walked out the door.

She knocked on the door and went in when the Emperor asked her to come in.

The walls of the study were painted oxford blue and there were wooden floating shelves. The shelves were filled with thick books and antiques. There was a particular golden vase that attracted Gabriella's attention.

The vase wasn't anything special but the simple flower pattern attracted Gabriella for some odd reason. She stared at it.

" Ella"

The Emperor called out, making Gabriella snap out of her daze. Gabriella curtsied and sat down on the white couch.

" How are you?", The Emperor asked.

" I'm fine"

" Do you want to know why I summoned you here today?"

Gabriella nodded.

" Prince Myles will be here for a few days. I hope that you can show him around Etroana. Take him to experience Etroanian culture-"

" A blind date?"

The Emperor pushed back his glasses to hide his embarrassment. He became particularly interested in finding the perfect place to keep an antique vase.

" I was right, wasn't I?", Gabriella asked.

The Emperor coughed and said.

" It isn't technically a blind date. You are just taking him on a tour of Etroana. You know, showing him famous landmarks, introducing him to  Etroanian cuisine and you know, making him feel welcomed"

Gabriella stared at him for a few seconds before sighing and saying yes.

" Great. You will be responsible for Prince Myles for the next seven days. Good night!"

With that, the Emperor hurried out of the study. Gabriella ran after the Emperor but the guards blocked her. Gabriella told them to get out of the way but they just stood there with no expression on their face. They didn't move.

Finally, Gabriella gave up and went to her room.

' If I'm going to take the prince out, I should get some sleep first'