Aimee and I walked in silence. She was angry at me, I think. I can't be sure because, since yesterday, she wouldn't talked to me. Well, she'll come around.
Yesterday's encounter with Midas left me... Giddy. I surprisingly didn't feel any pain other than the occasional aches and all that, but it was nothing a few painkillers couldn't handle. It was funny actually. Everyone said the allergy was over and I just had to be careful but I knew the truth. It had something to do with Midas. When he met me that day, I think he was angry and might have done something to me. But yesterday, he looked a bit cheerful so the bad magic wore off, leaving the good magic that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
And now I felt weird about him. I think about him all the time. All the time. It's crazy! Everything somehow relates to him. His hair, his gorgeous green eyes, his smile, just his essence. I even dream about him in a.. weird way. Don't ask...
Unfortunately, because of the alliance issues, I hadn't seen him again all day. I was probably just going to see him again after dinner but that would probably be it. He was an important man. Why would he bother with me? He would rather give his precious time to Aimee. His bride. That felt so wrong. Well, Aimee would make sure I stayed away from him. I just hoped she hadn't said anything to Mother. Aimee is unpredictable when she's angry.
Today, I was deciding to be a good girl. I would be quiet and invisible, as my mother preferred. But wait, Midas won't notice me if I do. Maybe I should try and get closer to him. I should find excuses to be with him. The best place to start was with Lucas. I abandoned my usual seat, after receiving a death glare from my mother, and plonked into the seat beside Lucas, giving him a charming smile.
"Lucas."
"Amaya," he greeted with a frown on his face.
I pouted. "You don't look too happy to see me."
"I'm not," he said. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
I tipped the wine glass in front of me and peered at the rich, crimson goodness inside. Mother always made sure I never got wine at the table. I mean, I only got drunk and puked on a minister once. I'm more mature now. I've stolen from the liquor cabinet enough times to gain experience on how to hold my liquor. Before the glass could be snatched from me, I gulped it all down, smiling as it trickled down my oesophagus.
"It's too early to get drunk," Lucas said with a displeased expression on his face.
I simply shrugged. "How's Lin?"
"I'm sure you could have checked before you came here," he said.
"It's funny that she is such a sly fox. I always thought of her as a dumb doll that worked here so that it could look like my parents had a lot of servants," I bluntly said.
I watched as he gripped the edge of the table until it creaked under the force. Wow, he's strong, but I know he won't hurt me. That's calling for war, which is just unnecessary. But at least I know what makes him tick. I still need to be on his good side though.
"I'm just kidding. Do you have a sweet or spicy tooth?" I changed the topic.
"A bloody one. Wanna see?" he sneered.
I grinned. "I like you. You're funny."
"You two look cosy," commented that Northern woman from last night, new enemy.
"We're not," Lucas forced out through gritted teeth.
"Working your magic on him, are you, Princess?" she joked.
I decided to ignore her and turned back to Lucas. "How about a deal?"
"A deal?" he asked as he leaned back in his chair and eyed me curiously. "Why?"
"Because I have something to offer," I replied with a casual shrug.
"And what would that be?"
"Something you might be interested in," I said.
"Are you going to tell me or not?" he snapped, annoyed, and he suddenly looked very intimidating, especially with his height.
"Lin, on a golden platter," I offered grandly, then added as an afterthought, "or any other girl you might be interested in."
"I don't follow," he said, shaking his head and turning away from me.
I was losing him. "My mother is very strict with the workers here. And it's not easy for you to sneak around to see her. But I know this place better than myself. You could meet Lin."
"Who's to say I haven't?" he countered.
"Me," I bluffed. "I know you can't meet her, at least not as much as you would want to."
He crossed his arms over his chest. "Let's say I agree. What would you want in return?"
I grinned. "To tag along."
He looked confused. "What?"
"I get to follow you around. We can be buddies, of sorts," I explain.
"What if I don't want to be your 'buddy of sorts'?"
He was being unreasonably stubborn. "I don't care. I'll be your fairy godmother so listen carefully. When the clock strikes and your princess arrives, the magic cloak remains for only four more times. Wow, that almost rhymed, and I just made that up."
He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Don't you have someone else to bother? Why pick me?"
"I guess I'll have to convince you. But don't forget, four times."
As if I didn't exist, Lucas started a conversation with someone else. I would have been bored but I used this opportunity to watch everyone. This was a new angle and I could see some things I never did. Like how Peter Pearson smiled widely when I looked his way. It seemed as if he was looking at me for a while. Peter Pearson was a minister's son who inherited his father's position. It wasn't nepotism but he deserved it. He was the best candidate for the job. Now he is my mother's favourite. It's like she wishes he was her son.
I divert my attention elsewhere after giving Peter a half-hearted smile. Instead, I noticed Aimee and Mother speaking together. I hoped she hadn't said anything about my stunt. Kitchen duty was out of the question since I had 'gotten sick from the water', but I could still get punished. My mother can be very creative.
The time slowly moved. I was long done with my food when my father stood up to dismiss us. I wanted to get one last word in with Lucas but he darted away before I could turn around. Feeling bored, I decided to retire for the night.
"I hope you can behave yourself today," Aimee said as I had begun to leave the table.
I sighed as I noticed she was still angry. "Aimee, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything. I was just playing around."
"Well, you shouldn't play around with things like that. The alliance hasn't been discussed yet!" Aimee yelled.
I walked ahead of Aimee, not liking how she was scolding me. "But he still called you his bride."
I expected Aimee to say nothing but instead, she was blushing. She liked being called his bride. Now I feel murderous. I hated her. He shouldn't have called her that. Wait, where is Midas? I hadn't seen him all day.
"Lady Aimee, Lady Amaya," I heard his beautiful voice, right on cue.
He casually but confidently walked to us with a small smile on his face. He smiled a little wider at Aimee but looked at me, with an unreadable expression on his face, for quite some time. I held my tongue, not wanting Aimee to get mad again, but set my eyes to work. He was wearing a crisp white button-up with the top buttons undone and sleeves rolled back. I couldn't see his chest but I could see the veins in his neck. I had to let out a breath as my mouth began to water. His dark brown locks were gelled today, the curls coming out more. His green eyes were as hypnotising as ever. My fingers itched to run up and down his exposed arms.
"Mr Kennedy, it's good to see you again," Aimee politely said, a slight tint on her cheeks.
She likes him.
So do I.
Wait, what? Did I just think that I like him? No, I shouldn't. I should hate him. This man did something to me. He hurt me. He is the enemy. I shouldn't like him. I should hate him. I hate him... Right?
"Likewise," he said, and when he smiled this time, I noticed a dimple on his right cheek. Cute! "I made a promise to Lady Aimee yesterday. I hope she can still eat some more food."
My jaw dropped. He was going to do that? But I thought he wouldn't. He's too busy... He... I... I'm so nervous! However, Aimee's clenched jaw brought me back to reality.
"Midas-"
"Mr Kennedy," Aimee corrected my use of his first name sternly with a glare at me. "That's very nice of you to consider my sister's wishes but I'm afraid she had only been joking yesterday."
No, I wasn't. "Yes," I mumbled in confirmation. "I was just kidding."
"She likes to play around. You'll get used to her," Aimee said.
"That's too bad. I had everything planned out. Maybe some other time, right, Lady Amaya?" he said.
"Yeah," I forced out, looking away from his green eyes.
"I think that maybe you should take that time to rest," Amaya suggested.
Midas- Mr Kennedy- nodded in affirmation. "I will do that. However, I can still spare some time. How about a walk in the garden for a few minutes? I like to exercise before bed."
Yes! "I would love that. After all, I feel really bad about saying all that without meaning it."
"This should make up for it," he murmured, looking at me deeply. "Shall we go?"
I could feel Aimee's heated gaze on my back as I followed Mr Kennedy out. I knew this was my fault. I embarrassed her yesterday and she was afraid I would do more. I'm usually that reckless.
"Do you like flowers, Lady Amaya?" he asked once we were outside, initiating small talk.
"No," I replied in a daze as I looked up to the starry sky. "And call me Amaya. The lady part makes me feel old."
He looked at me in surprise. "You don't like flowers?"
"No, I don't," I repeated. "Can I ask you something? I'm not going to be here for long."
He watched me curiously. "That depends on what it is."
"Well, given the chance, are you going to marry my sister?" I asked, looking into his green eyes.
"Why do you keep asking that?" he said instead of answering.
I raised my chin. "Aimee is my sister. I'm worried she'll end up with a man who doesn't want her."
"If I don't want her, what would you do?" he asked with a cocked brow.
"Everything in my power," I replied constantly. "Are you saying that you don't want to be with her?"
I don't know why I felt hopeful that he wouldn't marry her. It was bugging me and I had nightmares of them at their wedding. I'd wake up screaming when they kissed. It doesn't sound scary but my mind isn't working right lately. Mr Kennedy seems to think over his answer before replying.
"If it comes to that, I will try my best to make her happy. Is that good enough for you?"
I turned away from him then as my heart constricted painfully in my chest. Tears stung my eyes but I refused to let them fall. Maybe this sickness was more psychological than physical. I need to talk to Doctor Helen about this. Maybe she can help.
"The other day, the first time I met you, you said something to me," I confronted, even though I hadn't planned to ask him this now.
"I did?" he said, not confirming or denying.
"I didn't even know who you were, and I would say the same for you. I'm sure you remember," I drew out, suddenly feeling desperate.
Why was he acting like this? He knew what I was talking about.
"I don't."
I flung my hands down in exasperation. "You asked why it had to be me. You said you rejected me."
"Did I?" he acted dumb again but I just waited for him to say something. "I said that to you? I think I had the wrong person."
"You didn't," I said with determination. "You meant every word. And when you said that, something happened to me. You did something to me."
"Amaya-"
"Why won't you just tell me the truth?" I asked helplessly. "Just tell me the truth and... Fix this. Fix what you've done to me."
He was silent as I waited for him to say something, anything. "I'm sorry, Amaya. You're mistaken. I was angry about something and I vented out to you. It was unintentional. I don't know about anything else you are talking about. Maybe it's time we call it a night."
He politely smiled at me and began to walk back inside but my outburst stopped him. "Am I making this up then? Am I crazy? Or am I just pathetic, like you said I am? I know what happened. I know what felt. I'm going to stand by that, no matter what you say."
He completely ignored me and I watched as he walked away. I huffed out in frustration and stomped to my room. It was immature to ignore everyone but I usually had a hard time dealing with my emotions. I only ended up doing something stupid.
I spent the rest of the night looking at the stars through my window. The moon was out, not yet full, but getting there. It brought a sense of peace and calm to me, clearing the storm in my mind. I was able to have a new resolve.
The way I was feeling meant something, to me and Midas. I was sure of it. I was going to prove it. I already had a plan.
"Amaya, are you asleep yet?" Ms Angel asked after knocking softly.
"Not yet, Ms Angel. Come in," I replied, stepping away from the window.
She walked in with a tray as I sat on the edge of the bed. "I brought your medicine. Helen said you should get some rest."
"I'll take it right away," I say. "Ms Angel, is it okay if one of the girls stays here with me tonight, just in case I need something?"
"I can stay with you," she offered.
"I know you have to go home. I don't want to be a bother. I can share the bed if they come. I don't mind," I say, trying to convince her.
"You don't get along with any of the girls, Amaya," she pointed out. "You'd probably fight all night or someone will end up dead."
I sighed, trying to look sad. "it's just that you've helped me a lot all week. I don't want to be overbearing. I don't mind if Miranda can't sleep tonight, but I care if you do."
She chuckled. "Fine. You're probably plotting some revenge. I'll let you have your way this once if you promise not to kill anyone."
"I promise I won't kill anyone tonight," I vowed.
She narrowed her eyes at me. "Not just tonight, Amaya. You won't kill anyone ever."
"Now you're not making this easy," I joked. "Go home and say hi to Kevin. I'll call Lin to come to me tonight."
She stopped collecting some of her things around my room. "That sweet girl? Why would you do anything to her."
"I'm wounded, Ms Angel. Don't you have any faith in me at all? I won't do anything. She's just the only one I trust to be with me when I'm asleep," I reasoned.
"if you say so," she said before leaving.
I called the kitchens right away and sent Lin to my room. I had the plan in my head but I was feeling nervous. My mother would flip if she found out what I was doing. I hoped it would work.
Lin came in after knocking. She looked a bit timid as she walked in. I smiled widely at her and patted the space next to me on the bed.
"Cook said you needed someone to stay the night with you," she said as she approached the bed.
"If I had a boyfriend, I'd ask him but you're my next choice," I said. "I'm not as lucky as you."
She stood from the bed only after just sitting, eyes wide and lips parted in horror. "I don't have a boyfriend!"
"I was joking," I said to calm her before she ran out. "I know you don't. But I'm working on it so don't worry."
"What?" she asked, confused.
"You like Lucas, don't you?" I asked and she blushed in response. "Well, he likes you too. Let's work on that."
"What are you talking about?" she asks, her voice gaining more depth.
I looked at her. "You're pretty, but you need to get rid of that kitchen smell, and maybe change your clothes. I'll let you borrow some of mine. We only have an hour so make it quick."
I dragged her to the shower as she protested and gave her some of the fancy body washes my mother bought me but I never used. I didn't bother with getting pretty and dolled up, probably because Aimee always outshone me. With Lin, I had to give her one of my dresses and shoes and then brush her hair. I was surprised to discover lipstick on my dresser. I never used any of those. By the time it was eleven o'clock, Lin was a different person. She seemed to be surprised at her reflection in the mirror.
"Time to go," I told her. "We're going to be late."
"Where are we going? Are we seeing Lucas?" Lin asked, horrified as I tugged her along down the corridors.
"You'll be doing more than see him if you don't make enough noise to wake anyone up," I shushed her.
She didn't say anything else, allowing me to recall all the secret routes I used to hide or run away. By some luck, we didn't meet anyone in the south wing where the guests were staying. I was a tad bit more nervous than Lin. What if Lucas didn't want to see her, and embarrassed both of us? What if he already had a girl with him, maybe a Northerner? So many situations ran through my mind as I broke out into a cold sweat.
The dark hardwood door stood like a mountain in front of me. I had done my research and found out that this was Lucas's room. I spent most of the day wandering around making sure no one would see me. Now was the time to see if my efforts will pay out.
"Go," I urged Lin, who was frozen in place. "Trust me."
She probably had no reason to trust me, as did everyone else. But she looked both nervous and hopeful as she stared at the door. She nodded and slowly approached the door.
"How..?"
"Just knock," I told her, the anticipation making me antsy.
She blew out a breath and knocked so softly that I was sure he wouldn't hear it. When Lucas didn't answer, I made up my mind to bang down the door and get it all done. Before I could, I saw Lucas in the doorway, both surprised and confused at seeing us both there. His eyes were instantly glued on Lin before he glanced at me.
I don't know where I got the courage to speak, but I did. "You should go inside before someone comes."
With that, I turned on my heels and walked away. When I heard the door close and saw Lin nowhere in sight, I let out a sigh of relief and hurried back to my room.