Chapter 13 - Prince Xavier Frederick

As they approached the dining table, the maids all curtsied before the Queen. Melissa looked across the table and saw a handsome young man and a beautiful woman were already seated. As they saw the Queen, they went over and greeted the Queen affectionately. 'This must be the Queen's children'.

Queen Serina introduced the young prince and princess to Melissa. The friendly young man was the Queen's younger son, Prince Xander while the arrogant looking girl was Princess Katherine. Melissa extended her curtsies to both the royals when Princess Katherine suddenly said loudly, "So, you're the famous Lady Melissa? The one that went into hiding for years without seeing other people?" Princess Katherine was in fact boiling in anger when she saw how affectionate Duke Kensington was with Lady Melissa moments ago. 'Zachary never smiled at me like that before! How dare this bitch try to seduce him!'

Melissa was in the middle of curtsying when Princess Katherine said that. She almost lost her composure if not for Duke Kensington's support. 'Eh? Why is she so hostile towards me? Did the original Lady Melissa offend her in the past?' Not one to be bullied, Melissa looked at the Princess and smiled. 

Before anyone could intervene, Melissa retorted by saying, "Your Highness, you're too kind. I don't think anyone can become famous if they're not out flaunting themselves in public, could they? I think you're contradicting yourself."

"You insolent girl! How dare you talk back to me!" Princess Katherine roared in anger.

"Katherine! Mind your manners. Is this how you greet your future cousin-in-law?! If you can't behave, please leave the room." Queen Serina said while looking at her daughter angrily. How dare she threw tantrums here for no reason! Queen Serina quickly glanced at Duke Kensington, afraid he would take offense of Katherine's unruly behaviour. 

"But Mother, what I said was the truth. Everyone knows she suddenly disappeared and no one saw her for a few years! She'd probably contracted some unknown diseases for all we know. And now she suddenly reappeared and going to marry Zachary. Who knows what is she planning to do? This is utterly ridiculous!" Princess Katherine whined at her mother, all the while looking at Duke Kensington adoringly. 

Melissa caught her act and it all clicked! 'Oh, this girl likes my future husband. This is a real jealousy rage. What a drama! If I'm not the main character I would get some popcorn and watch this from the sideline.' With this thought, Melissa looked up at Duke Kensington and realized he was staring ahead, not even sparing the Princess a glance. 'Oh, oh, it's a one-sided love.'

"Katherine!!" The Queen lost her patience after listening to her daughter's spiteful remarks about Lady Melissa.

"Your Highness, ridiculous or not, I will decide on that. Melissa is my chosen wife. No one can interfere in this matter. I hope you can refrain from saying anything hurtful to her. We're here on Her Majesty's invite, please respect that." Duke Kensington finally said after witnessing this utterly ridiculous outbursts by the Princess.

At that, Princess Katherine pouted her lips and didn't say anything. She was afraid of both her mother and Duke Kensington. This man was known for his decisive temperament. She's afraid that if she continues to offend Lady Melissa, Duke Kensington would not forgive her at all, not to mention the punishment she would get from her mother. Princess Katherine was so frustrated. She wished she had kill this useless bitch when they met 5 years ago!

Princess Katherine remained quiet during the meal and only threw occasional glances at Duke Kensington. When her gaze landed on Melissa, it turned deadly as if she wanted to kill her with her looks. Melissa merely ignored the Princess and continued eating her sumptuous lunch.

'What a pity, with her good looks, she could've gotten any man she wants. Why bother with this stone-cold man?' Melissa wondered in her heart.

Prince Xander on the hand, appeared friendly and he chatted casually with Duke Kensington during the meal. Both men seemed to share a close bond with one another. From her observation, Prince Xander looked like he was about 16 years old, while Princess Katherine seemed to be around Melissa's age. Both siblings were very good looking, although Prince Xander seemed to have inherited his mother's dark brown hair, while Princess Katherine had long blonde hair. Both of them however, had similar light brown eyes. One thought crossed Melissa's mind, 'The Queen said Prince Xander is her younger son, does that mean there's another prince?'