Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 176: Getting Hit On

Chapter 176: Getting Hit On

Talia smiled doing the Royal wave to the photographers, trying not to blink as the flashes hit hard on her retina. She’s the one who chose this path. This red carpeted path with numerous eyes watching her that will catch her every moment, is the one she chose.

I can live with this! Although I will never love this attention.

If she needs to do something worthwhile using her name, this kind of attention on her is necessary.

Talia was then lead to the Grand Staircase where Louis and Cordelia Joined her too. They were welcomed by the staircase and the official pictures of the State Dinner were taken.

Then the President and the First Lady led them to the Yellow Drawing room. They were served with hors d’œuvres and wine to go with it and they were introduced to the invitees of the State Dinner. There were some celebrities, businessmen and mostly ranked officials and politicians in the Dinner.

Talia couldn’t help but grin as she shook her hands with Arthur and got introduced to him. She was trying to maintain her professional smile, but in the end couldn’t as Arthur tickled her hand with his finger.

"Princess Talia, " Taylor Finn, a standup comedian who was an invitee said as Talia was introduced to him. "You are so beautiful that you made me forget my pickup line," he tried to kiss her hand and Talia tactfully got her hand back.

"You’re funny," Talia gave her best fake grin. He’s an actor, he must see I’m not pleased, right?

Talia was led to meet the next person, but Taylor still wasn’t willing to let Talia go, "Pardon me, but I think there’s something wrong with my eyes. I can’t take them off you," he tried to hold her hands and Talia took a step back.

His eyes had a nice shade of light brown and he did have symmetrical features that can be considered handsome. Above all, his smile was so charming, that anyone would be lost in it.

Too bad he is dumb!

Oh, Rebecca! Your favourite has some screws loose in his head. What made you think that he is awesome?

"Oh my! Should we call emergency? Is this some pre-existing condition?" Talia pretended to be genuinely concerned.

What she a really wanted to say was, "My eyes work fine. I don’t see you anywhere near me in the future!"

But darn it! She is a Princess and she can’t be snarky

Taylor’s face went blank as he didn’t expect he’d be thrown this curve ball and soon the situation was mitigated by the others around. Him being a comedian, he laughed off his embarrassment.

Talia gave a cursory apology for not understanding his intent and went on meeting the others. Along the line was Samuel Russell, the singer/actor who is one of the top grossing actor in the film industry in the recent years. Just at thirty years old, he had conquered the hearts of millions on women with his chiselled appearance and dreamy voice that could melt the heart of even psychopaths and make many girls’ panties wet.

"Your Highness," Samuel Russell gave a proper bow. Talia looked at the man in front of her standing tall closer to seven feet. His clear blue eyes and that golden copper colour hair that contrasted his pale skin, radiated charm and gentleness like a proper gentleman. His clean shaven face revealed the strong jawline and as he smiled, dimples formed on his cheek that made him look more stunning.

But... Is that a clip-on bow tie he is wearing? Eww! What a shame!

Talia could feel a burning gaze on her and turned to her left automatically to see Arthur looking at her with his lips pursed and eyes steady.

She didn’t know why, but a shiver passed through her spine.

Is he mad? Why?

Talia’s smile froze for a moment before she moved along to meet the next person.

After meeting everyone here, they were to the Entrance Hall where there was a podium and both the National Leaders spoke about the bond between the two nations.

The speeches were all boring for Talia and she maintained that diplomatic smile and then clapped enthusiastically when it was over. She won’t be required to give such important speeches anyways. And even if she did, there would be professional writers who would do a much better job. All she should do is memorise it and speak with conviction. She can do that!

The formalities were done and they were brought to the State Dinner Hall and in the main table, the centerpiece was pretty roses which is symbolic of the national flower of Rosandale. The china in which the dishes were served was said to have been chosen by the First Lady herself and Talia couldn’t help but admire the choice. There was a menu written with perfect calligraphy and Talia was pleased with the menu that had five courses.

The dinner started and Talia’s eyes wandered to search for Arthur and she didn’t have to search for long, as she found him in the table diagonal to hers to her right. She could see that guy still frowning and turned her head back.

What’s with him?

The dinner went on and Talia enjoyed the dinner but there was little nagging feeling in her heart wondering why Fred was mad.

Sounds of conversation, clinking of the cutlery and laughter filled the big hall as the sumptuous dinner was served. Wherever one turned, there was the low chuckles of men and pretty smiles of women who all were glittering in the best jewellery they had.

Of course there were some photographers allowed even in the dinner hall and they all were taking their pictures of the most influential people in the country who were prominent enough to get invited by the President himself.

The Dinner was arranged with precision with every course was served precisely on time and in an orderly manner. Everyone of the service staff were dressed in the same manner and moved in an orderly way.

But one particular man, caught Talia’s eyes. She didn’t know why, but the dark brown eyes seemed to be hiding a lot of hatred.

He looked pretty well built and his posture and demeanour made him seem more of a master than a servant. Of all those staff, only he stood out without even trying. As their eyes met, he didn’t try to look away and glared at Talia. It was like he wanted to shoot lasers from his eyes and destroy her then and there.

Talia felt eerie, looking at that person and she couldn’t maintain eye contact with him any longer since she noticed the cameras focusing on her. It might seem like she’s glaring at a serving staff and so she decided to avert her eyes.

A layer of perspiration formed on her forehead and she mindlessly nodded to the Second Lady who was seated beside her.

It was only the third course and Talia felt her heart getting squeezed hard by some invisible hand as she remembered that face of the man. She felt like she was in a pot of hot water that was getting boiled. She felt like she was in danger.

Talia looked at Arthur who was staring at her and this time, his glance seemed gentle and he smiled at her endearingly.

Talia tried to smile back and she couldn’t for a some time. But she looked at Arthur who was mouthing something.

I’m here!

Talia read his lips and she got what he said. And her distraught face broke into smile immediate.

Yes, Arthur is here! I won’t be in danger.

As the dinner progressed, Talia noticed one staff telling something to the First Lady and she seemed to have frozen. The President while listening to the First Lady, reflexively looked at Talia making Talia alert.

What is going on?

As the next course was served, the same person came and Talia made sure to avoid making eye contact with him. That guy had very creepy vibes.

As they were eating, one staff came to Talia with a paper and a pen and passed a note.

(What is it, Iris? Why are you distressed?)

The note read and Talia couldn’t help but smile. She got reminded of her school days. Both of them used to pass notes like this back then too. Of they were not sleeping, they’d be passing notes. Those were good old days.

Talia wrote the description of the guy and said that she just had the creepy vibes from him. She wrote that she felt like he hated her. The note was passed and Talia looked at Arthur and he nodded at her.

Talia was now relieved entirely. And when she looked around when the fifth course was served, she was stunned that person was missing. That guy was replaced by a girl and she wasn’t wearing the same uniform as the others. Well, she was wearing the same colours, but it was not the same material as the rest. It was not the uniform.

That guy left? Who is that guy?

Talia felt a a bad premonition in her heart.

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