Ronan laughed at Tyrion’s joke. "My daughter isn’t anything like cattle. Amelia has never seen cattle in her life."
"There are cattle all across the town near the roads where the farmers let them graze on grass," Tyrion said, certain Amelia had seen them. "It wouldn’t make her any less of a lady if she had seen a cow."
"That is something I would like to speak to the king about. Those farmers let their animals roam freely wherever they like. It ruins the look of the town both for visitors and those who live here. They should stay on their land. If they have any," Ronan muttered.
Jade wanted to hit Ronan, but now wasn’t the best time.
How could Ronan speak of sending farmers off the fields when he wanted his daughter to become the queen?
Amelia would be seen as mother to all, as she would need to place everyone’s best interests in her heart.
Jade understood even more why Amelia hated for Ronan to be present when the prince was around, because there was one problem with what Ronan said. Something that Ronan should know before Jade knew it.
"Mr. Prescott, it seems that you are not aware that the king has ordered the farmers to use his land. They are on land owned solely by the Castros. Do you raise animals?" Tyrion asked, deciding to school an ignorant man. "You have the land to do it."
"I do not. I only have stables where I have the finest horses. Would you care to see them, Prince Tyrion?" Ronan asked, directing Tyrion to the direction of the front doors.
"No, I do not care. Since you do not raise animals, where do you think the meat you feast on comes from? Do you think it falls from the sky? Do you think animals magically grow overnight?" Tyrion asked, then waited for Ronan’s silly answer.
"I did not think that, Your Highness. I was only worried about the look of the town. Lockwood is the capital of this kingdom. There are high expectations for how it is to be," Ronan argued.
"So, forget about the farmers who needed more grass for their animals? For the look of Lockwood, we should let the farmers’ animals dwindle, and in the end, there will not be enough food for everyone. Forgive me," Tyrion laughed.
Ronan did not understand what was funny.
"I shouldn’t expect you to think of this. You can afford to place food on your table at any price. Why should you worry about others who are not so fortunate? How awful of the king to let farmers use the land he has no use for," Tyrion said, poking at Ronan’s ignorance.
"My husband isn’t careful with his words sometimes, Your Highness. We have all seen that the grass on the king’s land is now short, thanks to the farmers letting their animals feed there. My husband was raised with a silver spoon-"
"A silver spoon isn’t an excuse for him to lack sense. You have always boasted about your daughter being like you. The thought of her sitting on the throne with your beliefs scares me," said Tyrion.
Tyrion walked ahead, in need of a break from Ronan.
Teo was left standing with his lips in a thin line. He wished to be anywhere but here.
Amelia couldn’t believe that she had only just arrived, yet her father was doing well to spoil this moment for her.
Amelia d so she could speak of her recent act of kindness, but now her father gave the idea that she didn’t care for others.
"My brother is passionate about these matters. As royals, we must think of ways to ensure there is plenty of food for everyone. To thank the king for allowing them to use the land, the farmers also to the orphanage. Kindness has spread," Teo explained.
"I do not share the same opinions as my father. I have not seen the farmers and their animals to be bothered by them; therefore, the town remains beautiful as ever. I think it would be best for you to know my heart and I not be overshadowed by my father," Amelia suggested.
Ronan looked at Amelia, not believing what she said. This was his moment to speak to the prince as well. Regardless of what he said, his family should back him. Amelia insulted him.
"Perhaps it would be best if we part you from your father and let your mother be your escort. Your daughter and wife shall be in good hands, Mr. Prescott. We shall return to you by the next hour," Teo promised.
"No, the palace is far too dangerous for me to leave my daughter and wife. I have come here to be the one who escorts them," Ronan said, refusing to be cast to the side.
"Father, it is the crown prince we are walking with. We will be safer with him than anyone else in the palace. We are safe here, so you may sit and wait for us," Amelia said, her nails digging into her skin.
It was starting to feel like her father was purposely sabotaging her each time they stood before the prince.
Ronan would go on and on about how Amelia should become the next queen, but as soon as they stood before the prince, he would make a fool of himself and her.
Was there someone else he wished for her to marry, and was he making it appear as though it was she who failed to get the prince to fall in love with her?
Amelia wouldn’t be surprised if this were her father’s plan. He was cruel.
Tyrion returned to see why the others had stopped.
"I agree with Miss Amelia that what you say tends to overshadow her, and though I shouldn’t do it, I am losing interest in her because of it. Either you will part from your family, or it is time that you leave the palace. I will respect either choice," Teo said, hoping Ronan would decide to leave.
Jade waited for her husband to make the right choice. They weren’t going to be in the palace long, so he could wait. Amelia needed this moment.
"Then, we shall leave," Ronan decided.
Amelia gasped. Her heart felt like it was breaking into tiny pieces. She was right that her father was out to ruin this for her.
"No," Amelia said, refusing to leave. "I will stay here. My mother can join me. Right, mother?"
"I will," Jade replied.
Jade didn’t know what was going through Ronan’s mind, but she would not let him rid Amelia of this chance. Amelia had come too far for Ronan’s anger to be what ruined this for them.
So what if Ronan lost the chance to speak to the prince as he wanted? He could speak to the Castros as much as he wanted once Amelia married Teo.
"It is final," Ronan raised his voice. "I am the man of my home. I decide what is best for my family, and I say that we shall leave."