“Victor?””I enquired as he approached, gesturing for me to remain seated.”
His dishevelled dark hair framed his features, and he offered me a somewhat anxious smile.
“Greetings,” he remarked, taking a seat beside me on the sofa. “I observed your arrival and decided to accompany you.”
“You appear to be recuperating effectively,” he remarked, observing the contusions encircling my jaw and the dressings on my face and arms.
“I am well, Victor,” I reassured him. “I assure you.”
“Nevertheless,” Victor murmured. “A lady ought never to treat her servants with such disdain.”
“There is little we can do regarding this situation,” I reminded him. “As I previously stated, we are captives here.” They are at liberty to treat us as they wish. I am fortunate that she did not kill me.
He remained silent as he absorbed the information, gazing at his hands with evident sorrow on his countenance.
“I would have deserved it regardless,” I murmured.
His eyes widened, and for an instant, a look of anguish appeared on his face.
“Thus, the rumours were indeed accurate,” he whispered, locking eyes with me.
I scowled, elevating my eyebrows.
“You and Prince Jayce…” he hesitated, unable to complete his thought as he averted his gaze and focused on his lap, his face flushing.
“Negative!””I stated, anticipating his forthcoming inquiry. “I did not engage in s****l relations with him.”
He glanced back at me, uncertainty evident in his expression.
Relief illuminated his countenance, and he exhaled audibly, acquiescing as he accepted my partial deception.
“Oh, excellent,” he exhaled.
I offered him a slight smile, and he responded with a sheepish grin.
“I am not engaging in any intimate relations within this palace,” I informed him. “I must concentrate on securing that amnesty so we can depart from this place.” That is my sole priority at this moment.
He nodded in comprehension.
“I understand,” he remarked gently. “I am relieved that you are well…” he hesitated briefly.
“I enquired whether you would be attending Luna Queen Kamila’s birthday celebration,” he murmured, tentatively.
I blinked at him several times; what an unusual inquiry.
“I am uncertain,” I informed him. “I fail to comprehend how I would be of any utility at a gathering when I can scarcely mobilise my body.” I am uncertain whether Lady Vera would desire my presence.
Conversely, she may be indifferent to my inability to move. I would not dismiss the possibility of her assigning me tasks despite my challenging circumstances. However, my dishevelled appearance would tarnish her immaculate image, and this event must be flawless, given that it is her inaugural party as Prince Jayce’s consort. Additionally, it is in celebration of Luna Queen Kamila’s birthday, thus ensuring that nothing can go awry.
He appeared nearly relieved upon hearing my statement, prompting me to question the extent of his concern.
“That is unfortunate,” he remarked gently, a faint smile gracing his lips, yet he averted his gaze from mine. “However, it is commendable that you are allowing yourself time to recuperate and heal adequately.”
“I appreciate it,” I replied softly. “That is indeed accurate.”
He rose.
I will not disturb you for much longer. I understand your desire for solitude and rest. “I merely wished to enquire about your well-being,” he remarked with a youthful smile.
“I appreciate it, Victor,” I reiterated.
“Until we reconvene, my lady,” he stated, bowing.
…
The birthday celebration for Luna Queen Kamila was imminent. I traversed the bustling foyer of the palace, where servants hurriedly attended to preparations, responding to various directives.
As tensions escalated while everyone endeavoured to appease Luna Queen Kamila, I experienced a sudden sense of relief at not being assigned to this event.
Although I was aware that I ought to be in bed, I felt compelled to assist, even minimally. Mr. Leon was occupied issuing directives to other maids when I approached him; he initially overlooked my presence, but upon noticing me, his frown intensified, and his gaze became more scrutinising.
What is your purpose for being here?”He enquired, his tone devoid of inflection.”
“Do you require anything from me?””I enquired, halting before him.”
He examined my body; I finally felt sufficiently recovered to walk with minimal pain, and the bruising and swelling had significantly diminished. I was confident I could assist if necessary.
“I require you to take a rest,” he commanded. “Your presence is unnecessary here.”
He averted his gaze to speak with another maid, instructing her to verify the main courses of their meal. She hurried away to comply, and he returned his attention to me upon realising I had not departed.
There must be an action I can undertake. I informed him.
As he began to instruct me to depart once more, another maid, Zoe, emerged with tear-streaked cheeks. I had a fleeting acquaintance with Zoe during my time among the maids, though I do not recall engaging in a substantive dialogue with her. Perhaps a few words were occasionally exchanged. I do remember her frequently conversing with Kylie; Zoe served as Kylie’s primary conduit for the latest gossip.
It was likely she who informed Kylie and the others of Vera’s actions towards me. However, I was uncertain about the source of Zoe’s information. Nevertheless, she consistently exhibited kindness, preventing any conflicts between us. Kylie appeared to have an affinity for her, yet it is worth noting that Kylie was a social butterfly who relished engaging in conversations with others.
It was a characteristic that consistently led her into difficulties, yet it was also a trait I found admirable.
Zoe appeared panicked as she approached, clutching her chest with a white kitchen rag wrapped around her hand. Mr. Leon sighed in annoyance while seizing her wrist to examine her injury; I gasped as blood streamed from her hand into the rag.
