Kiss Me Not

"We're here Sweetheart," Cedric whispered in her ear. Brione gulped as she looked at the elegant fence responsible for maintaining the privacy of the luxurious Palace inside the City.

Their car finally entered inside the gate of Derhan Palace and she was amazed at the luxuriously modern palace having been built in a classic style with a uniquely modern exterior and furnished with lavish decor details. The lavish landscape perfectly complemented the classic yet modern exterior and entrance.

The car stopped at the main entrance of the palace and Brione was awed at the grand entrance that was embellished with arches and columns and decorated with elaborately elegant chandeliers.

"I hope you will tour me around the palace soon," she whispered as her lips curled up in a thrilling smile. 

"Of course I will, Sweetheart. Let me introduce you to father first and then I can tour you around before we have dinner. I'm sure everyone inside the Palace will be astonished to see you," Cedric proudly whispered as he held Brione's hand and clasped their fingers together.

Brione nodded and then she suddenly got nervous. She thought she was doing fine but actually, she almost forgot that she was finally in the Palace to meet Cedric's father, The King, the situation was giving her a jittery feeling.

Brione nervously bit her inner cheek when she saw Cedric's father approaching them. She recognized him because he was a public figure and unlike Cedric, was often seen in media outlets.

"Oh, welcome Miss Brione," he greeted her with a pleasant smile.

Brione gave him her sweetest smile and slightly bowed as she whispered, "Thank you, Your Majesty, it's such an honor to finally meet you."

"Hmm, my son has been bugging me often about meeting you and now I think I finally understand why he is so smitten with you," Cedric's father commented, making Brione blush uncontrollably.

She bashfully handed her present to the King and politely said, "I hope you like them, Your Majesty. It's just a small present to thank you for inviting me over…"

"Thank you for this, dear. How about we talk over tea and enjoy a beautiful view from the inner courtyard?" Lucas invited her and Brione nodded saying, "that would be great Your Majesty."

Lucas signaled one of their helpers to bring them some tea as he walked ahead towards the inner courtyard while Brione and Cedric followed behind.

"Is this your first time in our country, Brione?" the King asked as soon as all of them were seated.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Brione answered politely.

"Hmm, then I hope you'll like your stay here," The King commented and Brione gave him a loving smile as she whispered, "I will, Your Majesty, thank you for your generosity."

Cedric on the other hand was keenly observing his father with a creased forehead as he commented, "Are you alright, father? You look unusually pale and tired."

Lucas smiled at Cedric and said, "Ah, I'm just a little bit stressed, son but it's nothing to worry about. I will soon shoulder all my burdens onto you and after that, live my life comfortably and be stress-free."

Cedric immediately looked at Brione and shamelessly whispered, "Are you ready to be my Queen?" taking King Lucas by surprise and making him cough by and almost choke on his own tea.

Brione worriedly touched the King's back and gently stroked it as she asked, "Are you alright, Your Majesty?"

"Why are you so formal? You should start calling him Father already, Sweetheart," Cedric could never leave another opportunity to tease Brione. She intensely glared at him, signaling him to stop but Cedric only shrugged his shoulders.

Lucas witnessed the bickering between the couple and he could not help but smile on seeing how their eyes sparkled as they looked at each other. He could tell that the two were completely in love with each other. But then, he was also aware of Brione's closeness and involvement with Gavin so he could not help but worry about his son.

"Son, if you have a little time later, can we talk for a while after we've had our dinner?" Lucas asked because he had to discuss those urgent matters with his son.

"Sure, father," Cedric answered.

Lucas looked at Brione and said, "Cedric is right. You should start calling me Father, but only when you're comfortable with it, Brione."

Brione flashed him a timid smile as she simply nodded in reply. Cedric's father seemed very nice and welcoming. She could feel that he was still assessing her although she was unsure about the kind of assurance he needed, but she also understood his heart since it was only natural for a father to worry about his son.

Brione hoped that the King was not disappointed with Cedric because he chose to introduce and bring her here instead of Olivia who was definitely the best fit for a Queen. She was not insecure of Olivia, but she did agree that she still lacked in many aspects as compared to her, but she was confident and willing to learn any skills that she lacked.

'Oh God…' she mused as her eyes widened in realization. She was already thinking of such things, this could only mean that she had already accepted Cedric as her lifetime partner and that she was willing to marry him. 

The King asked her a lot of things and Brione answered all his questions with nothing but honesty. Cedric's mobile phone suddenly rang so the latter had to excuse himself for a while. Lucas took that opportunity and looked Brione in the eyes before moving on with the next question in his mind.

"I know all about Gavin, Brione. Please don't get me wrong when I say this but I hope that you know what it is you're getting yourself into. Right now, I'm wholeheartedly willing to support my son with his choices but as a father, I want to rest assured knowing that the person my son chose is someone who will stay with him no matter what happens. Are you confident that you will stay with him and support him no matter what, Brione?"

Brione met his eyes and determinedly answered, "Yes, Father… I am confident…"

Lucas released a satisfied smile and said, "thank you, Brione."

Cedric soon came back to his seat and said, "You two looked like you were having a serious conversation among yourself a while ago. Were you talking behind my back?"

Brione chuckled and said, "Yeah, I asked Father how good you are with instruments. He said you are really good and nail all of them, so later you have to play for me."

"I will try… But what if I can't?" Cedric casually said.

"That's alright, Son. No matter what, you are still my son and I'm just grateful that you are safe and here with me now," Lucas commented, making Cedric drag his eyes towards his father questioningly.

He was sure that his fathers' words had a meaning behind them, he meant something more than what he said and he could now tell that this was why his father wanted to talk to him after dinner.

"You two should go and get Brione settled in your wing, Son. Rest up well and we'll see each other again over dinner." Lucas said as he stood up first.

Cedric and Brione followed as well.

"It's so nice to meet you, dear," Lucas said with a warm smile and open arms. Brione accepted the hug, whispering, "thank you, Father."