Lady Britille pouted as she watched the royal siblings make cherry sauce together. "Lady Britille, you're making a very sour face." Veronica whispered into Lady Britille's ear. Lady Britille scowled as she turned to face her lady in waiting then remembered that she was surrounded by many of her 'friends'. Lady Britille pouted as her eyes became round and pitiful.
"I can't believe Lady Syria refused to come with me to the cooking class... It would have been really fun to make something together...." Lady Britille said as tears touched the corners of her eyes.
Immediately the people within ear shot started to whisper. Veronica nodded her in agreement and immediately followed upon Lady Britille's comment. "You are too kind my lady, I would have never given her a second chance the way you have... Honestly I thought she was going to strike you after she raised her hand." Veronica whispered but it was still loud enough for people to hear. "Never!" Lady Britille gasped.
"Veronica please! Mind your manners! Saying something that like that could ruin Lady Syria's reputation. Besides, she was being kind for swatting the butterfly away." Lady Britille replied innocently as she grabbed a cherry and popped it into her mouth. "Are you still allowing students to come to class?" A slightly horse voice called out from the doorway.
Lady Britille choked on the cherry she was eating and doubled over as she gasped for air. "Lady!" Veronica shouted as she patted Lady Britille's back as eyes turned to her. "I, I didn't think the cherry would be so sour." Lady Britille admitted as she brought up her face and showed everyone how ashamed and sorry she was for her mistake.
Nana Gi hummed as she waked past Lady Britille and stretched out her hands to Syria. "No we are not, class is full." Nana Gi said apologetically. "Oh. I understand." Syria replied with a sad voice. Nana Gi stared as she caught Syria's hands, stopping her from leaving.
"I'll tell you what. Why don't you come be my assistant instead? I would hate to turn someone away when they have such a spark in their eyes." Nana Gi said with a soft smile. Syria brought up her gaze, eyes sparkling with joy and excitement. "Nana Gi! Syria can take my spot! I don't mind helping you out instead!" Calder shouted happily.
Syria turned her gaze to Calder and he instantly dropped his smile. Her eyes were red and puffy while her face looked pale. "S-Syria..." Calder whispered as he stared at her pitifully. "Well that doesn't sound like a bad idea, bra-Duke Anahita, it would be my pleasure to," Nana Gi started to say when suddenly a loud ringing noise through the room. "Ugh, ah! My hand!" Veronica screamed.
"Veronica!" Lady Britille shouted in a panic. Calder was the first to move, he rushed up and caught Veronica's hand, inspecting it carefully. The movement caused Veronica to hiss in pain but Calder refused to let go. "We need to move you to the infirmary right away. The sauce was very hot and it looks like it gave you third degree burns. If it's not treated right away it will leave scar on your hand." Calder said. "I-I-I-I don't want any scars." Veronica cried as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"What should we do?" Lady Britille chimed in as tears stained her face. "I'm not repeating myself." Calder said as he scooped up Veronica into a bridal carry. "Please excuse me Nana Gi but I need to take her to the infirmary." Calder said with a bow of his head. Nana Gi smiled as she flicked her hand. "Go on now but you still owe me."
"I will never go back on my word." Calder said happily and then rushed out of the room.
....
"Of course when I come looking for you, you are no where to be found but if someone else needs you, you're already ready." Calder pouted as he watched Landis apply the bandage wrapping to Veronica's hand. "How many times do I have to apologize before you drop it?" Landis sighed as he finished his task.
"I don't need an apology, I'm just wondering why it always happens." Calder said in a teasing tone. "Uhm, your Highness?" Veronica called out. Calder looked at Veronica. "Thank you for bringing me here so quickly." She said as her face slightly flushed. "No need for thanks! Just make sure you rest properly so that you can heal. I don't want to be held accountable for you getting a scar in a class that I suggested." Calder said as he gave Veronica a wink.
Veronica's eyes grew round and wide as she averted her gaze. Calder's head and shoulders drooped downwards. He cried internally, no matter how friendly he acted his face trumped all his efforts. "Well, if Wystan finds out you were hurt, I might have to pay more then with just my body." Calder said with a weak laugh. "Wystan? What does he have to do with this?" Landis asked curiously.
"Lady Veronica is Wystan's childhood friend." Calder said as he recovered from his previous blow. "Friend? O-o-h-h." Landis said with a knowing smile. Veronica turned beat red but kept her lips pursed. "Well I blew off some steam. I should go back and help out Nana Gi. I will let Lady Britille know that you will go back home for a few days until the wound starts to heal." Calder said before he started to walk away.
"A few weeks." Landis corrected. "Ok, a few weeks then. Also don't worry about your pay, I'll have someone send you compensation for having to stay home." Calder said then walked out of the infirmary as he waved without looking back.
He then walked at a steady pace away from the infirmary and when he though that he was far enough he broke out into a sprint. Even though what had happened was bad he couldn't help but smile. Syria showed up, Calder's feet felt lighter then air as he raced down towards the kitchen. When he saw the doors he slowed his pace down to a trot and started to tidy up his clothes.
He then placed his hand on the handle and cracked open the door. "About time you came back!" Nana Gi shouted from the room. Calder was dumbfounded, he had no idea how she knew it was him. "S-sorry Nana Gi." Calder said awkwardly as he opened the door further and walked in. "Honestly! If it's not one it's the other!" Nana Gi shouted as she pointed to her helper.
Calder looked to who she was pointing at and burst out laughing. Esai looked shamelessly as he stood in the middle of an ingredient massacre. "I don't think I'm coordinated enough to bake." Esai said with a small shrug.
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