FREYA
It was obvious that the prince was going over and beyond for Winifred's birthday. I understood though. There wasn't anyone that would meet her and get to know her and not immediately give her special treatment. There was just something about her presence that commanded respect.
"Your dress looks beautiful, my lady."
"Thank you, Lady Freya."
That's it? I was expecting a snarkier reply, provided she wasn't excited about something that was supposed to be her birthday. The prince was definitely using it as a chance to invite his dignitaries and definitely show her off. But she wasn't complaining or saying anything, not even to Darryl. It made me worried.
"Do you...want pudding?"
"I feel like fitting in this dress for an hour more, Lady Freya."
"That...makes sense. I'll just...put it away."
My eyes met Lord Silver's and he shook his head. He was looking particularly handsome for the event, giving off an air of maturity and regality. I had seen him before at those boring parties and was very sure he had changed. He was nothing like this extremely alluring man before me.
I felt like tearing off those clothes and devouring him whole.
Like he sensed my desire, he looked at me once more and smiled. He started walking towards me and I panicked. However, I couldn't leave Winifred's side since Darryl wasn't here yet. His hands went around my waist and I could feel his breath on my ear.
"You look lovely tonight, my lady."
"I..." I swallowed, "...thank you."
"You're welcome. Save me a dance."
"Y-Yes..."
"That I am blind doesn't mean I CANNOT HEAR! Get a room, you two!"
"Those ears of yours work too well. Could you...turn them off?"
"Do they look like a fucking radio to you?"
"I did not understand two of those words but I can assume they are offensive. I apologize for offending you, my lady. Pudding?"
Her shoe launched at him and he avoided it at the last moment. Sometimes, it felt like she could see him, even though she couldn't see anyone else. It was strange.
"I AM SO SORRY I'M LATE."
"Took you long enough. I would've been violated without my consent if you came a second later."
"You're being very dramatic, Lady Winifred. I was just complimenting Lady Freya."
"And you want to see what's under that gown, yes, I know. I don't care though. Carry me, Darryl."
"I'm sorry, Winifred but that dress looks heavy."
"Why have you been training as a knight then? You know what? Forget it. I'll salvage the last of my dignity and..."
Lord Silver bent to pick her up.
"Lord Silver, I didn't ask for your help."
"I do have a choice on whether to listen to your opinions or not. So, I'm choosing not to listen right now. I'll carry the princess where she wants to go."
My estimation of their relationship was wrong. Lord Silver and Lady Winifred were closer than I imagined.
"Well, Darryl, shall we leave too?"
He was smiling as he took my hand. He was a tall lad and it seemed like he was growing taller with every passing day.
"We look like a family, don't we, Lady Freya?"
"A family, huh? Sure, if you consider the strange relationship between Lord Silver and Lady Winifred."
"I do believe they care for each other and sometimes, I feel like a third wheel, like now. But, now, I'm not alone. I'm glad you're here, lady Freya."
Such a cute child! He was such an angel compared to Lady Winifred!
"I would love to be your partner, Darryl! I'll be here, whenever you need me."
"Yes, Lady Freya!" he grinned. I smiled back at him...and felt my heart pound.
I could feel it...that ungodly lust that overwhelmed me. On some days, I could control it but on some other days...
I didn't want to force myself on a child!
"Darryl, what is taking you so long?!"
"I'm coming! Let us leave, Lady Freya!"
"W-Why don't you go ahead? I n-n-need a minute."
"Are you feeling alright, Lady Freya?"
"No, I..."
I snatched my hand from his hold and tried to put some distance between us. That backfired quickly when I saw the hurt in his eyes. I wanted nothing more than to apologize, to tell him I was still his partner, albeit flawed. Very flawed.
"D-Did I do something wrong, Lady Freya? I'm sorry I forgot that I was not supposed to touch a noble. I'll...go now."
"No, wait...no, you have to leave...damn it! I..."
"I was wondering what was taking so long, Lady Freya. Your face looks a little flushed. Do you need a glass of water?"
He was almost like my knight in shining armor. His voice was like a drink of water on a hot day. I didn't know how he came up behind me but I didn't care. All I cared about was that the cursed desire in my body was floating away just hearing his voice.
He occupied my vision and I saw his eyes. They were pitch black and would normally be terrifying. However, I saw his eyes like this that night as well. I knew he was taking the energy from my body.
"Everything will be fine. Just...trust me."
I trusted him with my very life. He was just a man I was getting to know and yet, I felt like I could rely on him unconditionally.
We stood there for what felt like hours until I could tell I was myself again.
"Thank you, Lord Silver."
"I should be thanking you. Now, we share a secret."
Behind him, Darryl still stood there. However, now, Winifred was holding his hand.
"Are you both done?"
"Of course. Now I can pick you up again and give you a grand opening into the ball."
"I'll poke your eyes out if you pick me up...is what I would've said if Darryl didn't want to escort Lady Freya to the ballroom."
"No, it's fine. Lady Freya is obviously upset. I..."
"Lady Freya, what do you think?"
This was my chance to make it up to him and I was going to take it.
"I would love to be escorted by you, Darryl."
His face brightened up and I immediately felt horrible. I was determined to be the best escort they both ever had.
Winifred looked comfortable in Lord Silver's arms, lovely even. She had always been a lovely child but...I wished I was the one.
There was a Chamberlain, something I didn't expect for a child's birthday party. I could see the annoyance in her face but she schooled her expression better than I could at that age.
"Lord Silver, you really went for a grand entrance, didn't you?"
"Not grander than this birthday you planned, your highness. Are there even any children at this thing?"
"Yes, I'm not that careless. But I wonder if it would matter since Winifred can't see them. I can already imagine her scathing remarks."
"That's considering if she would even talk to you."
"Ah! You're right. It's too late now so I'm going to bribe her."
"I have the perfect idea for that. Give Darryl a noble title and give him proper education as a noble."
"Is that so? It'll be a little hard to do but I would do it to appease the little lady."
This, the celebration started. I found the other ladies present and their children. Most were my age with very young children. I felt out of place but with Winifred, I didn't have to worry about feeling like a mother.
Darryl looked terrified and refused to socialize with the other noble children so he stuck close by. Maybe it was because of my close proximity to someone who couldn't see but it was very obvious that this party wasn't suited for a child who couldn't see. It was very tragic.
"Lady Freya, I heard you were a governess for the Prince's Adopted daughter. But it looks like that description was wrong. You're more of a caretaker, aren't you? I'm surprised the little thing hasn't died yet. Look at how small it is."
"She, Lady Aubrey. She is a person and not a thing."
"That thing walks in perpetual darkness. How could that be a person? I know the prince is kind but taking something like that under his wing..."
"Lady Aubrey, it's her birthday. Please respect Lady Winifred."
"Why? I barely respect even you."