Mia's anger

He stood up and went to the window to see who could have pulled up to the front of their house, Vera Smith tailing alongside her husband.

He seemed to be from the palace, said Michael Smith. He had seen the couch man who drove members of the Royal Family once when he was in the capital for some work, and they were dressed just like this man in navel blue with a hat of three colorful feathers.

What could he be looking for in our house? Murmured Mia.

There was a knock at the door as the man stood waiting. He had seen the peer of eyes peeping at him from the window as he dismounted from his horse and made his way to their door.

He blamed Raphael, who was in a hurry to return to the palace and forgot to inform the family that Walker had made arrangements for a carriage to convey them to the castle before the said time as the Crown Prince wanted to have a word with the young Miss of the Smith family before the ball begins.

He heard the door creak open as a young lady dressed in a golden gown came out to attend to him, her eyes dangling with suspicion.

Greetings, my lady. I am Simon and have been sent from the palace to convey the Smiths family to the ball, announced Simon.

His words piqued her interest, and she did not realize her mouth was wide open. The Crown Prince? That must be a lie because the identity of the crown prince had been protected because of his involvement in the military, though Mia to herself.

But his clothing, a navy pant with a white shirt covered with a navy jacket and a hat with three colorful feathers that covered half of his face, fitted the description of the Royal coachmen who drive the royal family.

Please come inside and have a seat, Michael Smith said from behind his daughter, swinging into action when he noticed Mia staring at the man with her mouth agape.

Hearing this, Mia snapped out of her dazed state and realized she was standing at the door like a fool. She smiled sheepishly before stepping out of the way to allow Simon in.

Simon made his way inside the house as his eyes scanned the inside of the small cottage. Two chairs were on either side of the room, and a table made from fine wood sat decoratively at the center.

Simon sat on one of the wooden chairs as the family stood around him like a statue. The room was silent as no one spoke a word. Michael and Vera gave Mia a questioning look with their eyes as they were confused by the whole thing.

Mia shook her head, understanding what her parents meant with their looks, but she was just as confused as they were. First, it was the invitation to the ball, and now a carriage from the palace to convey them.

They were just poor farmers without connection to royalty or the noble class. Could it be a case of mistaken identity, Mia thought?

Pardon me, my lord, but it seems you have the wrong address as we are not acquaintances of the royal family. Michael Smith said, voicing the thought in her heart.
Fear not, for no mistake made. Simon said, which made the Smiths even more confused and troubled.

Raphael, the one who delivered the letter this morning to you, forgot to mention that Walker Lane has arranged for your safety and comfort at the palace, announced Simon.
Walker Lane, who is that? Asked Mia.

At this, Simon furrowed his brow in confusion because he thought the young lady was already aware of the meeting she was having with the crown prince and Walker Lane today at the annual ball.

She is the Regent to the crown prince who handles his itineraries, replied Simon.
Simon was oblivious that it was the older daughter of the Smiths who met with Walker Lane and not Mia.

Just then, Jess returned from the river and was surprised to see a carriage in front of their house. She peeped inside to see that it was empty. Did Papa make any arrangements for a carriage? She thought to herself.

On entering the house, she saw a man dressed in navy blue seated while her family gathered around the man like a statue, exchanging glances at each other. She found it strange that no one heard when the door creaked open as she strolled into the house.

Is everything alright? Jess asked, concerned. She wondered whether Mr. Edmud had made good his threat of sending the authorities to arrest his father for defaulting on his tax.

Not only was Mr. Edmud greedy, but he was also a chronic womanizer who ran after everything under a skirt. Jess remembered when he had approached her about six months ago, claiming to have fallen helplessly in love with her and wanted her as one of his mistresses.

She had refused to oblige his request. She and James were in love and had plans to get married after they had settled their demons. Jess did not want to think about the past as there were many painful memories that she did not want to dig up.

Glad you are back. Mia responded. She explained what the coachman said a few minutes ago. Simon turned his head as he scanned the lady who had entered the house. She was average height, had gold-brown hair, and looked nothing like the Smiths.

If not for the young Miss calling her sister, he would not have known she was a member of the Smiths family.

Oh! Jess replied as she now understood the situation. She still had not told them of her encounter with Walker Lane and the offer.

“Pardon my family’s ignorance of the situation. I have yet to explain the situation to them,” said Jess with an apologetic smile.

Simon nodded in understanding, seeing that he had made a mistake by not getting a proper description of the young Miss he was to escort to the grand hall when they arrived at the castle for a meeting.

The Smiths family was shocked that Jess understood what the man meant. Why is the Regent of the crown prince requesting their presence at the ball? Did it mean that Jess knew who this man was?

Jess climbed the stairs leading to her room, and Mia tagged along. She had a lot of questions bugging her mind, and her sister was the one with the answer.
Jess was drying her hair when Mia barged in, looking angry.

Jess ignored her as she had little time to prepare. She did not want to keep Simon waiting.

Mia was pacing around the room, waiting for her sister to explain what was happening, but Jess was silent.

Aren’t you going to say anything?” asked Mia in annoyance.

Mia, there is no time for this drama right now. I will explain everything on the ride to the castle,” Jess explained while putting on light makeup.
The Treasures of Zaza
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