Chapter 21: Chapter 21 - Is The Prince Murderer?

"Mother ... did you ever know that Theodoric had a relationship with Princess Barbara?" asked Princess Ivy as they were in the carriage.

Queen Amelissa looked directly at her. Her face looked confused and seemed very surprised. "No. I do not know, Ivy. Why?"

"Meaning, they once had a relationship without you and father knowing."

Princess Ivy didn't look at her mother-in-law at all. Instead, she was looking straight ahead. She also knew that it was not polite to do so. Talking to an older woman, let alone her mother-in-law, her eyes are in a different direction.

"Do you know anything, Ivy? Tell me."

But Princess Ivy shook her head and smiled. She then turned to her. "Do not tell him or anyone about me asking this, Mother."

It felt like Queen Amelissa wanted to force her to tell a story. But seeing Princess Ivy's face which was quite lethargic and gloomy, Queen Amelissa didn't dare to ask further.

"Ivy, if he hurts you, tell me. Do not just be silent because I do not want my daughter-in-law to be hurt by anyone," said Queen Amelissa.

"Thank you, Mother. I was just asking and did not mean to worry you."

"If you are asking if Barbara likes your husband, of course, she has always liked him. It is just that I do not like her," said Queen Amelissa, opening the story.

Princess Ivy smiled. She is not worried about anything at all, maybe sad, and feels pain, always there. But she realized that she had magic that she could use whenever she needed it.

The horse carriage stopped right in front of Queen Amelissa's dress shop which Princess Ivy had seen for the first time. They went downstairs and Princess Ivy was stunned to see the dress shop. So luxurious and she was sure, the price of the dresses in it must be expensive.

"Come in, you can have a look first, Ivy," said Queen Amelissa.

"Very well, Mother."

Princess Ivy was walking around when she went inside. Her hands touched the dresses that were lined and dangled beautifully. She had always imagined that she could wear dresses like the ones she saw now when she wasn't married yet. But now, she had everything and was grateful for it.

Her eyes then caught her mother-in-law who was talking intimately with a woman who was the same age as her mother-in-law as well as a man who looked like Prince Theodoric's age.

But Princess Ivy chose to avert her eyes so they wouldn't be distracted by her gaze.

"Princess Ivy," her mother-in-law called to her.

Of course, Princess Ivy immediately turned around. Though she hoped not to be called by her because she felt stiff to meet new people.

"Yes, I am, Mother?"

"Do you remember, Meredith, my young sister? At your and Theodoric's wedding, she came with her husband and son, Prince Mason?" Queen Amelissa asked her.

Princess Ivy looked at them and tried to remember. Then she smiled and bowed to pay their respects.

"Hello, Her Majesty Queen Meredith and Prince Mason, I am sorry I almost forgot about you. All because so many guests came that I forgot who was there. Nice to meet you again," said Prince Ivy.

Queen Meredith smiled at her. "Ah, no problem, Princess Ivy. I even forgot about my surroundings because there were too many people. Nice to meet you too."

"Please, just call me Ivy, Queen."

"Then call me Aunty. Aunty Meredith."

Princess Ivy nodded and then she turned to Prince Mason who looked cold and ordinary. He just looked at her with an unfriendly look. But indeed what she remembered, Prince Mason was not a man full of warmth like her husband. Though seeing Queen Meredith very friendly, it turned out to be the opposite of her son.

It was noon and lunchtime for Princess Ivy and Queen Amelissa. They finally decided to have lunch with Queen Meredith and Prince Mason.

If Princess Ivy could complain, she would love not to see Prince Mason's expression. To her, a face that didn't look friendly seemed like it needed to be removed. She was tired of faces like that man.

"Mother, is Prince Mason a cold man?" asked Princess Ivy as they got in the carriage to the restaurant.

"That is just what he is, Ivy. Ignore his expressions like that. Well, you see ... he has a pretty bad history of women."

"Like what, Mother, if I may find out?"

"Abandoned by his girlfriend. But, do not ever mention women or love in front of him. He is very sensitive."

Princess Ivy nodded her head in understanding. No wonder he seemed unfriendly to her. Perhaps, Prince Mason thought that Princess Ivy would be just like the woman who had left him.

They arrived at a classic restaurant called Rules. The oldest restaurant in London with quite a varied and extensive menu.

While waiting for the order to arrive, Queen Meredith asked Princess Ivy, "Ivy, are you happy living with Theo in the end?"

"Of course, Aunty. I'm happy with him. He's a good man," replied Princess Ivy, praising her husband with a smile.

"You have not seen Theo's bad side, Princess Ivy."

This time Prince Mason's voice was heard. He said those words right in front of her mother-in-law, who was Prince Theodoric's mother, Prince Mason's Aunty.

Queen Meredith immediately rebuked her son and he fell silent. Meanwhile, Princess Ivy looked at Queen Amelissa who was silent but still smiling. For some reason, staring at her mother-in-law's smile and silence, made Princess Ivy wonder.

Seriously, what's the bad side of my husband apart from being seduced by Barbara? her mind asked.

"Forgive him, my sister. You know how he always has a cheeky mouth when he speaks," Queen Meredith said to Queen Amelissa.

"It does not matter, my sister. After all, Ivy ... you will still love Theo no matter what will not you?" Queen Amelissa asked him.

Princess Ivy could only nod and smile. She did love Prince Theodoric. She thinks right now, her husband is fine with her. But if Prince Mason's words came true, then Princess Ivy knew what she had to do.

"Tell me, Prince Mason ... really, what is the bad side of my husband? Because I will still love him no matter how bad he is."

"Ivy," said Queen Amelissa.

"It is all right, Mother. I will still love your son."

Princess Ivy meant to put her mother-in-law at ease. But she was also curious about what Prince Mason, her husband's cousin, had to say.

"He is a murderer ..." Prince Mason hissed in a whisper but the two old ladies could quite hear him.