"Hmph," Yurishien looked away, "polish up your skills a bit more."
She waved me away. Master Thelowar came at that time as well and he noticed me still standing there.
"Oh, Nadia! You can send in the head maid. You are free to leave," Master Thelowar nodded at me.
I bowed to the royal family and walked out quietly. Just as the oak doors closed behind me I let out a rush of relief. Just how bad was my luck to have to look after the most mysterious royals in the entire world?
I shook my head and looked at my hands. Blistered formed at my palms. I winced at the pain and the water that filled in the small bumps. Shit, how am I supposed to do anything? I went to go call for a head maid as I tried to ignore the pain in my hands. This might not be the only test I will go under, and I shivered from that thought.
....
Outside, it was around 3 PM when I exited the mansion. I decided to buy a new cloak for myself and pick up a few groceries. I changed my cloak and piled the huge rice bag on my back. I carried groceries in my hand and set off at a jog in the direction of my house. But, I couldn't shake off the uncanny feeling of someone watching me. I hid my face and quickly escaped. I didn't want to get involved with random people anymore.
.....
I made it to my home quickly and standing there was the Salmaan guy. I wanted to ram my head on the wall. What now? I made it to my door and he stood on the other side of the building wall with his eyes closed.
I ignored him and as quiet as I can be, I unlocked my door. The plastic bags rustled a bit and I sucked in a breath. He seemed to be sleeping. I exhaled quietly and opened my door.
Squeeeee…
Oh, ma Gawd ya stupid door. I felt a rustling sound from behind me and I gave up.
"Oh, you're here!" Salmaan sounded way too enthusiastic.
"I believe we have nothing to do with each other anymore."
"No, I have come to deliver something on behalf of the Imperial Mages," he announced.
What the heck, please just deliver yourself outta here. I put the bags on the ground and faced him.
"Due to the damage that we have caused you, the Prince has decided to repay those who have suffered from these accidents," he continued, "Here's an envelope containing 100 gold, to cover the damage cost."
Damn, 100 gold. He handed me a small bag and I took it. The sound of clinking coins was satisfying to hear. I smiled at the sack of coins. Man is this what it feels like to be rich.
"Pfft!" the Salmaan guy laughed and I glared at him.
He smiled and grinned at me. I still don't like you, buddy.
"M'kay, I'm off then," I picked up my bags and prepared to head inside.
A hand shot out and I grabbed it.
"Don't touch me."
"I wasn't going to," he smirked, "your apples were falling out."
I glanced at the bag and felt embarrassed for acting too harshly. He picked up the apples and handed it over to me.
"Thanks-"
"What are those bumps on your hands?"
"Camel humps."
"What?"
"Huh?"
I stared at him blankly. Just walk away boy, I ain't tellin' you shit.
He tilted his head as he tried to decipher my actions. I tilted my head to the side as well, mimicking him. His eyes widened for a split second before breaking out into a smile. He waved his hand up and I did the same. He waved it around in the air and I copied.
"Why are you copying me?"
"Because I don't want you to be curious about me."
"Why can't I?"
"It's unprofessional, is it not?"
"I am just sending you a message."
"And, now you are dancing like a duck."
"Ha. Are you not dancing like one too?"
"I'm a graceful duck."
He laughed.
"And me?"
"I don't want to break your heart, sir."
"Enlighten me."
"Hmmm. Nah, I am busy."
I quit copying and bowed deeply.
"This graceful duck will now take her leave. I bid you adieu, duc- I mean sir."
He put his arms down and caught onto my shawl. I raised an eyebrow.
"One more minute. Just… please."
Pain shone in his eyes and I sighed.
"Can you at least let me put my stuff back in?"
"Okay, I'll wait."
I went in and dropped the groceries. Leela was sleeping and I noticed her empty food plate. I refilled it and changed into more comfortable clothes. I had to work upstairs anyway.
I took another shawl and wrapped it around myself before going back out. He was looking at something in his hands. I walked past him.
"Are you not coming?" I looked back at him.
"Huh? Yeah, I am," he followed me.
"You look less flashing today," I smirked.
"But, I am still dashing nonetheless," he flashed me a cocky grin and snorted.
"I have work in ten minutes," I told him.
"Okay," he nodded then added, "so you want to spend some time with me, eh?"
"Don't make me regret it, Sir."
He smiled.
"If you have something on your mind, you can let it out."
"Why do you care?"
"I don't."
He looked confused.
"It feels good to have an output sometimes. I'm just telling you to say whatever is on your mind. Who knows?" I shrugged, "Maybe this may be your only time to let off some steam. I'm also letting you do it, free of charge."
I winked at him and continued walking.
"Well...I found out that my fiance cheated on me a couple of days ago," he admitted quietly.
Oof he's spilling the tea...
"That sucks."
"Thanks for the consolation."
"Anytime, bud."
He shook his head and continued.
"I thought we were endgame."