''Quite some collection you have here, Your Grace.'' Ophelia said as she glanced through the huge decorated room filled with exquisite porcelains.
''My mother was exceedingly fond of such novel crockeries.'' Sebastian responded as he followed Ophelia while she was peering at the intricacies of one of the tea sets.
''Ah! The late Duchess, I see. However, such a knowledge was not brought to my ears unfortunately. But I have known in the etiquette class that she has been a paragon of supreme elegance and manners.'' Ophelia's delightful demeanor as she talked about his mother kind of made him smile.
It was the very first time he had invited someone over after his parents' early passing. He wondered how they would have reacted seeing this lovely lady frolic around his mansion gleefully. Ophelia was always restrained, but, today she felt unusually livelier. The atmosphere at the Duke's manor was quite homely for her.
''I am glad to see you are enjoying yourself my dear lady.'' Sebastian smiled slyly at his own remark looking at Ophelia who was blushing profusely. ''Good grace! Pardon my misbehavior Your Grace. I seemed to have over indulged in my interests of the porcelains.'' Ophelia looked away from Sebastian, still covered in embarrassment.
Sebastian chuckled at the sight of the shyness of the young lady that was indeed a rare view. ''Would you like some tea now? You can select a tea set of your liking for it. I am not sure if I have an eye for it.'' Sebastian suggested. Ophelia thought for a moment before pointing at a particular set placed in the corner of shelf. ''I would like this Your Grace.''
Sebastian ordered the attendants to bring the set into open tea parlor where he had intently made arrangements for the afternoon tea with his cherished guest. Upon reaching there, Ophelia was ecstatic to see an extravagant decoration of wooden chairs covered in soft white fabric placed opposing around a round table brimming with deliciously inviting scorns and other savories.
''Ohh! How gorgeous! I am truly impressed by your efforts to make it so appetizing Your Grace.'' Ophelia said as she faced Sebastian with broad smile. For moment, Sebastian was lost in thoughts admiring the young maiden with apple cheeks and glossy lips.
''Your Grace?'' Ophelia cluelessly called out the dazed looking Sebastian pulling out of trance. ''I apologize for my lack of composure for a moment Lady Barnette.'' Sebastian awkwardly cleared his throat and gestured her to have a seat.
As they both settled comfortably, the attendants brought over the tea set picked by by Ophelia in a finely elegant tray. They carefully placed each element of the set on the round tea table and poured the freshly brewed black tea gifted by Ophelia to the Duke.
Sebastian signed the attendants to exit after they were done with the necessary arrangements. ''Please, help yourself with the refreshments Lady Barnette. Though I am not certain if it would be upto your taste."
Ophelia took a bit of mini scone plastered with blueberry jam. ''It's lovely, Your Grace. Truly delightful to my senses!'' She exclaimed taking another bite of it.
''How wonderful! My chef went at great lengths to get updates on the popular refreshments of young ladies these days. I suppose it was a win.''
Ophelia chuckled at this. ''I assure you it is truly to my liking.'' Sebastian smiled at her hearing the confirmation. Both of them then took a sip of the scented tea served to them already.
''That's a rather unique flavor I taste here. What could it be? A special, local herb?'' Sebastian curiously looked at Ophelia pondering over the subtle sweetness that seemed naturally blended in the tea leaves.
''It's the plum blossoms, Your Grace. They are cultivated for tea specially in the far east. The orient merchants often carry them along while their expeditions. Recently my father got in a business deal with them and hence I asked some from them. ''
''I see. It was indeed very thoughtful of you.'' Sebastian's sincere acknowledgment added to her joy. She was eminently skilled at selecting gifts. She had been a flower selling girl on the road since her childhood and often seen people select the best for their dear ones. She had seen quite closely how people pondered puzzledly over the symbolisms of the flowers and chose the perfect match for their lovers and beloveds.
After a moment, silence engulfed the two. For Ophelia, it was quite the comfortable span. The breeze felt cool on her skin, and the warm tea refreshed her senses. However, Sebastian found himself in a quandary. He caught an accidental glance of Ophelia's frail, white hands, as if there were no life in it. His mere single-handed strength could crush her anytime. But, all that he could think was of protecting her, hiding her away from the enemies ogling at him and lurking around to strike his weakness the moment arrives. And here it was. The Crown Prince had already moved a step forward.
With remorseful eyes he looked at Ophelia. ''Lady, I need you to pardon me.'' His solemn tone caught Ophelia's attention. What could possibly melt the burning gaze of this robust man, she wondered. ''What is it about, my Lord?'' She asked with the humblest tone, careful with every change in his facial contours.
''It was due to me that you were ordered to be the Princess' lady-in-waiting.'' He confessed most straightly, gulping a small lump in his throat. He dare not look at her after such an affirmation of his shortcomings.
''Your Grace,'' Ophelia began. ''Do you adore these floral patterns?'' She asked gently caressing the body of the cup. Sebastian, a little surprised by her statement, examined the cup. ''I suppose, I do. It's the country roses, isn't it?'' He confirmed with a tint of doubt. He liked flowers, but wasn't really aware of their diversity.
''Your Grace, the country roses, they are known for being resilient.'' Ophelia's response dumbfounded Sebastian. He got her insight, her message of proclaiming her strength. He understood that she never needed his protection, that her irrepressibility was match to no other. Like the country roses that cut through the brutal thorns and ensnaring creepers in the wilderness, she was tough to get out of every cage that tried to lock her away.
With a smile that realized his error of judgement, he picked up tea cup taking a sip of relief. Ophelia smiled back at him, as they went back to talking about their favorite things and valued possessions.
*** AT THE ROYAL PALACE***
Lucian walked through hallways of the Prince's palace looking at some work documents. It was still late afternoon and a long way to go before going off-work. He looked outside the unbarriered arches of the hallways. The open area outside was ornamented with bushes brimming with full-bloomed roses.
Lucian couldn't help but stare at the magnificent sight of the flowers as the bright red colours caught his eye. He dazed off as he stopped to think how beautiful the roses would look anchored in a cascade of familiar golden hair. Immediately, grief took over his eyes as his face darkened by the thoughts of the past.
''Greetings to the Young Lord Lucian.'' A voice interrupted him as he turned around curiously to see who it belonged to. There stood a young lady, posing as courteously as she could. The afternoon light from the arches of hallways scattered on her brown skin, like the transcendent sunrays disappearing in the warm depths of scented earth. Her burgundy hair curled down her waist brushing the soft fabrics of her dress. Her purple eyes reflected clearly like shining amethysts.
''Pleasure meeting you, Young Lady Anthea. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet you in person today.'' Lucian bowed slightly smiling gladly at the lady in front of him.
Anthea Hastings was the daughter of Marquis Hastings, who was in the Ministry of Finance. The Marquis' territory overflowed with profound richness, owing to the transactional skills that ran in the Marquis' family. Lady Anthea herself was quite famous for her extraordinary financial aptitude and distinctive physical features. In the high society, she was called the ''unearthed gem'' as she was yet to make her formal debut upon her coming-of-age ceremony. Nevertheless, she was another candidate for the Crown Princess position.
To be contd....