Victor was Prince Abel.
…
“Abel, cease slouching!””Luna Queen Kamila commanded; his visage flushed as he sat upright; his gaze fixated on his plate. I was unable to avert my eyes from him.
I was incredulous.
Victor, the acquaintance I formed in the palace, was, in fact, Prince Abel.
“Molly.” Kamila directed her frigid stare at me. “My son, Abel, requires a refill.”
She gestured for his glass; I cleared my throat and inclined my head towards her.
“Certainly, your majesty,” I replied, approaching him with trepidation. He maintained his gaze on his plate while I filled his wine glass; I inhaled unsteadily, uncertain of my perception. Eventually, he cast a furtive glance my way; his eyes were imbued with an unfamiliar fear, and his breathing mirrored my own.
“I deeply apologize…” he murmured.
I remained silent as I distanced myself from him; I was uncertain of what to articulate.
He was a prince, for heaven’s sake. He deceived me throughout, and all I desired was to retreat and weep uncontrollably.
“Frankly, Abel…” Kamila murmured, averting her gaze from him. “Why can’t you emulate your brothers more?”
Abel remained silent, gazing down at his plate with embarrassment.
This situation is perplexing. Why would he deceive me? Why would he withhold the truth?
I could not disclose anything to him; doing so would reveal to others that we had previously met and formed a friendship. I could not jeopardise Prince Abel, nor could I endanger myself.
I had little time to contemplate further; Mr. Leon entered with another maid who was pushing a serving table laden with bowls of soup. He glanced at me and gestured for me to join them on the opposite side of the dining hall.
“Assist in serving the soup,” he commanded as I neared.
“Affirmative, sir,” I replied, nodding.
Each bowl of soup was accompanied by a name card designated for each member of the royal party. My stomach rumbled as the fragrance wafted towards me; amidst the day’s excitement, I had entirely neglected to eat breakfast. It would be agonising to observe them dine.
As I collected the bowls, I proceeded to arrange each one in its designated position around the table. I could still sense Jayce’s gaze intermittently, and now I felt Abel’s scrutiny upon me as well. I resolutely avoided looking at either of them. I remained profoundly wounded by Abel’s deliberate deceit.
His following me to the library and enquiring about my attendance at the party was logical; he was likely ensuring my absence to maintain his deception. However, I fail to comprehend the purpose of his actions.
I returned to the serving table to retrieve additional bowls when I observed a peculiar distinction in Luna Queen Kamila’s soup. Unlike the others, hers contained a small flower concealed within. I frowned as I gazed at it; it bore a resemblance to an Aconitum flower.
All servants in the palace were aware that Queen Kamila was severely allergic to Aconitum flowers. It is likely that someone in the kitchen added it to her soup with malicious intent.
But who would undertake such an action? Who would jeopardise something of that nature?
The endeavour was foolish, and I almost derided it; it was so evident that anyone with sight could discern it immediately. I exchanged Vera’s business card with Kamila’s. Since Vera was not allergic to this flower, I was confident that no harm would come to her.
I was relieved to have noticed that prior to serving the soup, as it would have reflected poorly on my part. I resolved to meticulously inspect each dish upon arrival for the remainder of the evening. Caution was imperative, and I had no doubt that if they attempted to harm her once this evening, they would certainly attempt to do so again.
Particularly after they received confirmation that this endeavour was unsuccessful.
Mr. Leon awaited in the foyer, instructing several other servants while the royal party consumed their initial course of soup. I refrained from inciting a commotion by notifying anyone of this endeavour; at least for the time being. Once the gathering concludes, I shall discreetly inform Mr. Leon of my discovery in Kamila’s soup. He will likely summon the guards and conduct a search of the kitchen personnel.
A sense of anxiety began to manifest in my stomach, yet I had to suppress it and proceed with my duties. I could not allow them to perceive my distress, as it would reveal that something was amiss. I forced a smile as I collected the final two bowls of soup, one for Lady Vera and the other for Queen Kamila Luna.
I positioned it before each individual, while the other maid departed with the serving table to retrieve the subsequent courses. I returned to my position against the wall on the opposite side of the dining hall. I inspected each cup to ensure they remained full, replenishing the wine that appeared somewhat low before resuming my place.
Vera was engaged in conversation with Jayce, who had finally diverted his gaze from me to focus on her. I experienced a sense of relief that the pressure was alleviated, at least temporarily.
I am uncertain why he influenced me so profoundly; he clearly indicated his disdain and desire for distance. Nevertheless, he continues to gaze at me as though I had struck him, plotting his retribution.
Abel frequently cast furtive glances in my direction, apprehensive that I harboured resentment towards him. In truth, I was uncertain about my feelings for him; I merely sought to understand the rationale behind his deceit.
I observed Ashton, who was observing me from his position at the table, while Lady Elsie remained oblivious. I adjusted my posture and smiled at him. He reciprocated the smile, maintaining eye contact for what seemed like an eternity. He appeared to have countless sentiments to express, yet he was constrained by the presence of his family.
