Tis' the merry season to be fast approaching. cold breeze blowing in the west sunny continent. Zess on the other hand stayed up the whole night working much to Marys' dismay. Enduring his masters workaholic habits. She fell asleep while sitting near the bookshelf. Remembering the night she swear not take a nap but the soft breezy night wind might've got her to surrender.
As Zess working through the night earlier he noticed his assistant all wobbly from the sides. As soon as her eyes closed and almost fell off her feet, he dashed and catched the sleeping lady. Upon insisting not to be pestered since he wants to work alone, the young lady never want to leave her master alone, probably what happened the past days. "Unusually shocking" his body moved on his own to catch the falling Mary carefully placed her on the office sofa. It was suppose to be that way but he changed his mind and put her back sitting in the bookshelf to avoid unnecessary commotion. Thus, brings back to the present situation of Mary waking up in her usual place.
As always his master has it's own world when it comes to work so she excused herself for a short time to groom herself, changed outfit for the scheduled dance practise then the rest follows like to prepare and support his Majestys' daily routine. When she was about to pour tea, Marys' hand seems shaking. Zess noticed yet she insisted that the sitting sleeping position was the reason and let out a brief smile.
The young King has his early doubts however
during dance practise became clearer.
=_=: Out of all times, you chose to get scared now?
>.<: Your Majesty, it is nothing like that....my fatigue is just catching up that is all.
=_=: You chose to lie than telling the truth then? who do you take me for to buy such petty excuse.
>.<: but your Majesty, this is really nothing this has nothing to do with you.
=_=: It seems I have have been doubted just as I was suppose to begin opening up. If you cannot even tell me what is even wrong then so be it! This lesson is over.
>.<: Your Majesty please!! I apologize!
The door shots vigorously leaving Mary alone
tears began to fall her eyes over the misunderstanding. She knew that his beloved master is disappointed by her remarks. Indeed, she was tired but she was not to tell anyone more than that. A choking sensation that bounds her. A person behind her fears.
//fell down// im sorry....
oh no what should I do I am hated again..
Mary was crying on her knees alone in the big empty dance hall but a person hiding in the corner was smiling over the young lady' s dilemma.
At the banquet hall, Zess along with the Emperor are having dinner together. He looks at all sides of the hall yet Marys' presence cannot be seen. The Emperor hired a skilled chef just for that day to celebrate his alone time with his favorite nephew appetizing food are on the table however none was touched by Zess. The Emperor discusses matters along the way but his nephews mind is elsewhere.
Hiuh was busy preparing things for the the approaching departure that he cannot have dinner on the castle. He knew Zess is not the type to talk a lot so the Emperor has ponders and thought of an interesting topic...
(^^): Geez my nephew, uncle here is sad, you did not even touched your food but at least honor me with words, will you talk to me? that is not a future empire ruler should act.
=_=: Just go talk to your servants! or help yourself watch some opera I shall have that arrange in a minute if you want.
(^^): Ah no! I am here to visit you and Hiuh in the first place, and it seems the semi adopted young Lady Mary is not around I was suppose to talk to her instead of you.
// Zess stands up //
=_=: Do you know where she is?
(^^): My nerve don't suddenly do that! my poor heart, no i havent seen her around this time but she seems important to you, May I ask how you two fair?
=_=: Well she is annoying, does things to herself, does not even consider my privacy but I think she values my wellbeing, an efficient worker (done tons of tasks in a flash) plus she cooks well.
(^^): Ohooooo...are we honest now! I am smelling future queen now?
=_=: Just what type of soap operas are you watching to reach that ridiculous conclusion!
S...stupid uncle!!
(^^): Wha... (shocked) you....calling your Emperor stupid?
=_=: Then do not pry on my life, Sorry I have no appetite excuse me.
(^^): T...T
// Emperor easily defeated at his own game //
Out of all times, Zess ignored the delicious food and all sorts of social talks nor ignoring state affairs topic yet he reacts on the name of the Lady.
Now it comes clear to the Emperor one thing. That the newcomer interests his nephew.
That cold night begins to snow, marks the start of the month of Christmas, Zess was born on that day but it was a sunny, Hence his name derived from. A name of a royal born from the miracle sunny day in the middle of the cold season. Blessed by the Heavens, The name " Zessria "
The first snowfall in the middle of the night is a sight to behold but is unable to enjoy because of the earlier conflict with Mary. He has been feeling uneasy for a while ever since that argument with her earlier. Unable to deny his feelings much to his irritation,
He searches for the young Lady around the castle and thought of the places she might've gone through. He noticed the Lady acting strange the past days and began to be more obvious to the point of no ignorance. Something must have happened as the usual vibrance of the Mary he first encountered is shaking.
Just in time he noticed a smoking chimney in an unused warehouse and rushed at the direction only to found out a scene he deeply wishes to not happen. Especially in his very own premisses.
Guards!!
He shouted with all his might and royal guards arrived in no time at thier Kings' side.
" Out of all things this event happened, it was in my very own premises. And aside from that hurt what belongs to me. How dare you all mock me! "
Mary was all soaked up laying down being tied and clothes were all tored up. It's as if being punished but with no exact reason at all. The thing Mary was unable to tell him, was it because she has no exact family background and adopted?, yet she chooses to stay by his side despite the consequences. She has done nothing but display her loyalty to her master much to the envy of those who wants to be in her position.
The culprit was the head maid and 2 footmen of the upper class noble family. Zess have them arrested and locked up in the prison for a trial. He instructed the one of the guards to get him the Royal doctor immediately.
The Emperor appeared on the scene dumbfounded. He assured his nephew to leave the investigation and punishment to him and leave with the suspects.
Another guard tried to approached the half conscious lady but his King let out a loud voice.
" Don't touch her!! "
Guard: Yes your Majesty!
// backs off //
Zess approaches Mary took off the cloth in her mouth. All she ever uttered was an apology. There is a sign of poisoning as shown in her skin and current symptoms. He took off his coat, wrap this around the Lady and dashed ahead to his quarters.
~ To be Continued ~