Chapter 33 - Mesmerised by Melissa

The Queen then invited the Blackwells to have tea with her at the royal garden, to which they accepted graciously. When they stepped into the open area of the garden, a delicious array of pastries were already placed on the table, as well as a hot pot of tea. They continued their chatter at ease, with both the Queen and the Earl mostly reminiscing the past, while Lord Benjamin listened on politely. His eyes however, betrayed his attention as they were constantly looking around, as if searching for something.

Suddenly, he saw a figure at the far end of the garden, walking slowly towards the main palace.

Anxious, he stood up abruptly, nearly knocking over his tea cups on the table. His action surprised the two other occupants at the table and they followed his gaze to see what had captured this man's attention for him to react so strongly.

When the Queen realized that Lord Benjamin was staring at Lady Melissa, she frowned and purposely cleared her throat, indicating her displeasure to