Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 371: Not Loving The Attention

Chapter 371: Not Loving The Attention

The day of the Investiture

"I don’t want others to see you like this, Fred... You’re so handsome..."

Talia wanted to hug Arthur but was glared at by Mr. Kinsley who was present with his camera crew. There seemed to be different apparels for different parts of the ceremony and Mr. Kinsley as the designer took care of dressing Arthur.

The first ceremony was held at the Cathedral, in the presence of The King, Bishops along with The Duke of Oakley and other nobles. The Bishop of Vorkshire read the patent of creation while Arthur knelt before the King who then invested him with the coronet, the robe of estate and the charters of creation and of the lands.

Arthur’s dad who is also the President had a main seat but he was not involved in the ceremony because he was not a noble. Roderick attended the ceremony with his family too and all of them were pleased as Talia noted.

Since it was an heirloom title, Jerome Brunton pinned the brooch with the crest of Ashwood to the robe of Estate. Talia looked at her embroidery on the robe and her lips curved to a satisfactory smile. Arthur gently caressed it looking at her and she felt like she was flying like a bird.

Lambert was seated beside Talia and was fully invested in watching Arthur without even blinking her eye. The Ceremony was broadcasted live and there were a lot of cameras around but Talia only focused on Arthur.

"Will you stop gawking at him, like a lecher?" Lambert whispered in Talia’s ear and Talia turned and gave a very elegant smile.

"Little cousin, only you would be able to say my thoughts. Others will only praise me as an elegant and demure Princess."

"Yes, only I know you’re an orang-utan. Others are deceived by that smile of yours." Lambert had the same smile as hers too.

"Not just my smile, dear cousin. My demeanour, my posture, my outfits and everything else... I am born to be this perfect Princess!" Talia’s smile didn’t waver. "Now stop disturbing me. I have to undress him in my mind once more." She started staring at Arthur once more.

"If a man says these words he’d be called names, you know." Lambert grumbled. "One day I’m going to record your words and publicise it. I’ll see who thinks you’re ’graceful’ then."

Talia didn’t even listen to him as she was staring at how handsome Arthur is. That blue velvet robe with fur trimmings gave him a regal elegance. Standing beside the King and Prince Edward, Arthur looked more like a King than Edward ever will be.

That handsome man is all mine! Mine alone!

Talia giggled in her heart.

After the ceremony, Talia had arranged Arthur to be brought to the Oakley Castle in an open horse-ridden carriage along with her grandpa.

Talia stood behind Arthur as they waited for the carriage. The pavement on both sides of the road was filled with people happily cheering waving little flags and kerchiefs.

Talia’s statement reminding everyone that this is a happy occasion for the Brunton family after a long time really touched the people and they came for support. Everyone knew after the death of her mother, the Brunton family never celebrated anything.

Talia took in the cheers around her along with the sounds of clicking cameras. Standing behind Arthur, those clicks didn’t affect her in any way.

"Iris," she saw her man turning to look at her with his hands stretched. It seemed like he wanted her to stand by his side. In his eyes was a complex emotion she couldn’t discern. But he didn’t look uncomfortable in any way and that made her pleased.

"The carriage is here," she gestured avoiding his hand. This is his day and she wanted him to walk in front of her. But she was stunned to see his face magnifying in front of her.

"Fred, you cannot kiss me here," She said as calmly as possible. Although they are dating, she was uncomfortable showing public displays of affection in such a formal ceremony.

His eyes widened for a second as if he had realised what he was doing. "Hmm," he hummed and held her hand interlocking their fingers before letting go.

It happened just for a second and Talia felt her heart beat going on a rampage.

Talia smiled bowing her head and looked at her hand smiling. His hand is warm as always.

After the carriage left, Talia and Lambert shared a car as they followed behind the horse carriage. There was a marching band orchestra playing some triumphant song in front of the carriage. The procession went slow and Talia and Lambert were smiling and waving at the people gathered in the sides of the road.

"Louis asked my opinion on giving you an Honorary Military rank," Lambert said without breaking his smile, but Talia froze for a second before regaining her composure.

"Military rank? You know I can’t even run fifty meters without losing my breath, right?"

"And hence it is ’Honorary’! Geez Talia! Learn English properly!" Lambert couldn’t help but grin.

"Really?" Talia held herself back from rolling her eyes. "Why aren’t you taking those ’honours’? It doesn’t involve that cursed ’A’ word you uttered, right?"

Lambert went silent for a while and Talia turned to look at him. He was smiling, but his eyes were filled with sorrow. Her heart squeezed. In the past she never cared much about others and she never could observe this kind of mixed emotion. But it is amazing how much you can learn about the person you care about just by looking at their eyes.

"I’m not going to say that word again, don’t worry." Lambert said and Talia pressed her lips not saying anything.

She was very happy that he decided not to abdicate, but was a little sad realising his sadness.

"You’ll probably be passed on the ranks held by our great grandma." Lambert said taking in a deep breath. "Speaking of her, did you look at the sheet music I gave you?"

Talia nodded. This guy has made great preparations for the surprise they planned for their great grandmother. He was now sad that her grandpa won’t be able to attend it.

"Chopin’s Spring Waltz?" Talia knew that piece. She always thought of it as a poignant piece. But she knew it was her great grandma’s favourite piece. She said that the music says everything about life.

"That piece is not Chopin’s. It is actually Mariage D’amour by Paul de Senneville. Know your music, Talia." Lambert’s tone went a little cold surprising Talia.

Is he that serious about music?

"Ave Maria in violin for Arthur. I’m performing Bach, Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude. Cordelia haven’t selected hers yet. You’ll be playing accompaniments for everyone."Lambert explained seriously.

"Why must I play accompaniments for everyone? And what about Louis and his sons?" Talia asked.

"Because you’re good at piano and you’re great grandma’s favourite. Leave the kids out and Louis is busy."

"Okay," Talia agreed. It seemed like he’d bite her head off if she said anything more.

What an odd ball he is!

After greeting everyone as the Marquees of Ashwood, there was a formal luncheon arranged for the other nobles in the Castle. The King already informed that he can’t attend due to his health and Edward was the one who attended the luncheon.

Everything went well according to the plan and Talia was overjoyed as even the saltiest people she knows struggled to say a word of displeasure. L

"Don’t stay away from me, I don’t like it," Arthur pouted as they sneaked out to have a rest after lunch. "The whole day you’re avoiding me and talking with everyone else."

It won’t be proper if I don’t talk to the guests I invited for a party in my house, right? And what does he mean by staying away? I was within his arms reach the whole time! Since when did he become clingy?

"You’re so handsome, Fred. I was worried I’d jump you in front of everyone if I get close to you. That’s why I kept the distance," Talia spoke with an apologetic face while helping him undress.

"What a liar!" Arthur pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. "I didn’t like this all, Iris. This pomp and attention on me... It doesn’t suit me."

"Did I trouble you?" Her smile vanished and she got nervous.

Talia thought of giving him a surprise and to affirm his position in her family and arranged a lavish celebration according to her wishes. But only now did she realise she never considered his thoughts.

"No! I love all the efforts you put for me. But... Those robes, brooches... I’ll be more comfortable in a suit. This is a good wake-up call for me. I thought I could handle being the spouse of a Princess with ease, but I can see it won’t be easy. If I am with you, I have to participate in these kinds of ceremonies a lot, right?" he hugged her close as he knew she is saddened.

Maybe I should have waited to speak to her about this?

"Are you regretting your decision to choose me, Fred?" Talia’s voice shook as she gripped his sleeves.

"Idiot! I would never!" he knocked her head.

How could she think this way?

"I’ll learn to get used to it. Also, I think I would love walking behind you. Everyone’s attention will be on you, right?"

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.