Xhemin was deeply disturbed with her own mind when she woke early the next morning. The sun was not up yet, and she groggily rose from her bed to the window. She reached out on the floral curtains and pulled it slightly giving her enough view of the outside barn, hoping maybe— just maybe, Summer will be there to welcome her.
But there was no sign of Summer, not even until the sun has finally set itself up high, lighting up the once dark scenery.
"Little Miss, I have already warmed the water for you bath" a lady spoke behind her, only did she realized that a maidservant was already attending to her.
"Thank you, you may leave. I can manage alone."
Few minutes had passed, and the sunrise had matured into a broad daylight. Xhemin was already mounting down the stairs to the kitchen to have breakfast with the professor and his wife. They were already at the table when Xhemin flew in the dining area.
As soon as the professor caught a glimpse of her, he stood from his table and pulled a sit for the little Missus who was looking placid in her summer dress. Her hair was left hanging on her shoulders— straight and ivory black but the ends of it formed small curls because of her constant hair buns.
The professor waited for Xhemin to sat comfortably on the dining chair before he went to sit back on his previous seat.
His household is not as grand as the Montarini Manor, yet they never miss out any curtsey. Probably that is one of the differences of this household from the Richmond ranch— the curtseys— which Dr. Miles never minds employing on the latter. However, because Xhemin is surrounded with elite friends and as she is a student of Rivendell, she is pretty aware of all these social etiquettes.
"My dear, how are you feeling?" Professor Shun asked her as he placed a napkin in his thigh.
"Professor I'm alright. Thank you for fetching me last night" She answered gently as her eyes glowed a little shyness for what happened previously.
"Little Miss, I'm sorry I cannot let you join the laborers from the search anymore" Madam Selina expressed as she started out on the soup. She cupped one and put in the little Missus tiny bowl.
"I understand Madam, I'm sorry for making you worry"
"Oh dear, you know how precious you are to the doctor. I might not be able to pull a face in front of him if anything happens to you" Madam Selina added as she continued filling her bowl. She was telling her off, yet she was very gentle not to hurt her feelings. After all, Xhemin's favorite horse was missing, and she felt nothing but pity for the child.
"Here you go child, try out the soup now while it is still warm. Last night was pretty cold, you might have caught something from the moist" Madam Selina tallied.
"Thank you, Madam," Xhemin gave her a polite nod and started one spoon of the hot liquid steaming in front of her. She smelt a hefty dose of saffron perfumes out from it. "It smells really nice." She buttered up to the Madam before she pleased herself with a spoonful of it.
"I'm glad you like it, I had the old chef made it for you" The old woman who was watching Xhemin busying herself with the soup was very delighted. Having no female child of her own—and God knew how she longed for one—she was specifically thrilled when she heard the news of Xhemin's visit. Attending to her was something she really looked forward to.
Professor Shun who was also at the table switched from watching her wife and the child. The view of how her wife's smile turned sugary and the blush that appeared on Madam Selina's face when the child complimented the food was something worthy so much of his devotion.
"Professor Shun, there's a call from the capital" One of the maidservants graciously notified. From her stature, one could tell she was very hesitant of the notice she brought. However, it was a very important call that needed the professor's instant attention.
"I'll take it. Excuse me for few minutes ladies," Professor Shun said as he stood and left the table. However, it seemed that his presence was not missed at the table as the two women continued chatting with each other.
"Child why don't you tell me about your household"
"There's nothing much but grandpa and I, then my best friends who never leaves the ranch"
"Oh, you mean the Diamond prince and the Montreal child?"
"Yes"
"You three are pretty close. That's something to keep"
"Yes, it is"
"They said the Diamond Prince was very picky of friends, it seems that the rumors about him are untrue"
"Well I heard those rumors too, and I think they are well channeled"
The old woman laughed with the child's answer. "Is the prince really that aloof? But they said he was specifically gorgeous, was it true?" Madam Selina's interest grew when the topic hit off.
The Diamond Prince being a national artist is a huge topic during auctions and exhibits which are the gatherings that Madam Selina never misses to attend. Having eyes that are very keen to art, she is a fan. She is always looking forward to meeting the young artist, but never got the chance.
Xhemin suddenly halted from her bite. The Madam's questions sank in her like bubbles that immediately popped out when hit by. As she was with Huzey's company all the time, she did not once appraise how he looked.
"Very…" She answered but for some reasons, the words come out a little to cautious from her mouth. "…very handsome"
Indeed, Huzey was very handsome. A fact she did not mind bothering for a long time, not until today.
"Ohh!" Madam Selina exclaimed in an instant. "You two must look pretty good together!" The old woman can't help but note.
Xhemin picked the rest of the soup in her bowl, because the remark sent some lumps in her throat that refused to settle. That was awkward. She knew by then that she blushed, either out of awkwardness or something else.
Madame must've caught the indifference in Xhemin's facial expression and she knew by then something was off "I mean, it must be a good sight to see both of you together as you are good friends"
"Well I think so… we are indeed good friends…so with Ziggy" Xhemin mentally cringed at the right words to say at the moment. Making sure not to make it more gauche.
"How about your parents child? I'm sure they visit you and the doctor often…"