Chapter 5 Trojan Horse

"Welcome your majesty," they all said in unison as Damien's horse stopped. He got off his horse and immediately a groom came along to take Xavier away. He was going to help Eleanor off hers when he noticed that she had already gotten off. The stairways were filled with guards on both sides.

"We have missed you," Madam Sofia said, kissing Damien on the cheeks. As soon as she heard, he had reached the city gates, she had prepared for his arrival. Everything had been put into place. She had even gone over all the arrangements twice. She was not one to miss any detail. However, one detail seemed to be out of place, she wasn't expecting a guest.

"Who's the beautiful lady you have brought home?" Madam Sofia smiled, taking Eleanor's hand, but just before Damien could say a word, Eleanor beat him to it. "My name is Princess Eleanor of Great Antonia."

Damien had gotten over the shock and the feeling of being betrayed. Getting over it was quite easy. He did not even have time to be mad at her. She saved his life.

Maybe he would he have done the same. Maybe she didn't trust them enough then, he thought.

He couldn't help but cherish all those time they spent together in the woods. He didn't believe in fate but when he looked at her, fate didn't look so mystical.

Steven was shocked, everyone else too was. "What are you saying Eleanor?" he asked.

"This is not the time for questions," Damien interrupted as they all climbed, heading for the front door, "everybody must be tired now. Let's all go get some rest," he added.

"Dinner is ready," Madam Sofia announced as she led them to the dining table.

"I haven't seen your daughter," he said, "where is she?"

He had missed her, although he had not been thinking of her as much lately because he had so much on his plate right now, she was still his best friend.

Dinner time has always been bonding time for them along with Steven and Madam Sofia who has always been like a mother to him, he grew up under her care as the castle's head maid. Although, the twenty-seven chairs long dinner room has never been wanting of people, this were the most important persons to him.

He thought about how his life was changing, everything seemed so overwhelming, he knew better than to dwell on the things he couldn't control. He wanted to be happy, to live in the moment.

"Please, have her eat with us."

Madam Sofia instructed one of the maids to fetch Victoria

"Good evening your Majesty," she said as she curtsied avoiding his gaze, "mother" she added greeting her mother before sitting down next to her.

She didn't sit down in her usual position. Her chair was occupied by Eleanor who was right opposite her. She did not know who this new person was but she hated her already.

Victoria was now sited. Damien eyes caught hers, he wanted to hug her, he put on the napkin signaling to the chef to begin serving.

Damien who was at the beginning of the table whispered to one of the maids who was dishing his food, "Prepare the guest room nearest to mine for the princess."

Steven was still trying to understand everything that was going on. His chances seemed slimmer now; he had doubts about pursuing a relationship with Eleanor. Despite the odds, he loved her and he was determined to fight either ways.

"You could have told us, you know."

She knew how to keep herself composed. She spoke in a low tone, "sorry, it all happened so fast."

Victoria was jealous. She couldn't help but notice the way everybody looked at Eleanor, especially Damien and Steven. She wanted some attention, "Steven pass me the salt, please." "Here! Take!" Steven didn't waste time before asking Eleanor more questions "How did you end up in the forest of Asher? Why did you leave home?"

"Steven that's enough." Damien sounded, sensing that Eleanor was becoming uncomfortable.

"Excuse me," Eleanor replied.

"Let me escort you to your room." Damien said

"Don't worry your majesty, let me take care of the guest," Madam Sofia said getting up as she spoke.

"No...Thanks, but I will handle this," Damien said placing his hand on her shoulders, "thanks for all that you do."

Steven insisted he tag along.

Meanwhile, Victoria was infuriated. She knew that Damien had some kind of interest in the new girl.

"We are here. This is your room. I hope you like it?" Damien said opening the doors to the room. Eleanor was happy, the room was nice but it was nothing she hadn't seen before, just the thought of sleeping on a bed after days of sleeping in the open was a relief.

"If you need anything, just ring. My room is the one at the end."

"I hope you enjoy your stay." Steven chipped in.

"We will let you rest now, good night."

Damien and Steven walked towards the end of the corridor and stopped just right at his door.

"I am sorry for the way I behaved during dinner. I just have so many questions. That wasn't the time and I acted out of place."

"Steven, you don't have to apologize. I don't want to see you get hurt, and so I'm going to tell you this. Kill whatever feelings you have for Eleanor. She is a princess. Just forget her. Getting close to her would only do more harm than good. I am afraid you will just get your hopes up and then everything wouldn't work out. So, back out while you still can."

"You are telling me this because you like her right?" Steven said angrily, "Just give me the order, your majesty, since you are so good at controlling other peoples life."

"Don't be like that. I'm just looking out for your best interest."

"You know what, Damien? You sure do like thinking things for me."

"What do you mean by that"

"You think I don't know about you and Victoria."

Damien was stunned

"You have got nothing to say right, just like I thought." Steven said, just before he left.

There was a knock on his door, he thought maybe it was Steven, he still didn't know what to say.

"Who's she?" Victoria asked, barging into his room.

"She's a princess," he said, smiling.

"I see the way you look at her Damien."

"How do I look at her?"

"I can't talk to you when you are like this...Are you even going to...I don't know Damien. I can't fight with you. Not tonight."

"Don't go Victoria. I miss you."

She didn't want to go. She had missed him. She felt bad about the way they left things before he left. She didn't want to leave things unfinished again. She stopped right at the door to her room. She needed clarity. She almost raced her way to his room, walking as fast as she could. "Damien," she called out. She opened the door, but he wasn't there.