WINIFRED
The scent of the several flowers located around the manor stood out with their trail of scents. Clearly, suggesting a flower viewing was the best option. I left the preparation and dressing to them as I really couldn't complain about it. I, however, had one condition.
"Come on, Winifred. It's boring just staying here!"
"Don't whine. Your job during this event is to stay by my side and entertain me. You've done nothing but whine since you got here because I didn't let you do any of the heavy liftings. Who are you trying to impress?"
After spending the entire morning being primed and tossed around like a doll, shouldn't I be the one whining? They just dressed me and left me in front of a mirror I couldn't even see my reflection in. I had a nagging feeling they dressed me in something childish again.
"I just don't want to appear useless!"
"Who called you useless? Why can't you just enjoy the fact that we're being treated like royalty?"
"But...we aren't royalty."
His voice was quiet, portraying his fear. I know why he was scared and trying so hard to prove himself. As an orphan, a child dependent on the mercies of others, it's easy to be terrified of being cast away. But being terrified didn't stop me from being killed in my father's schemes.
"Darryl, if you keep worrying that we're going to be cast aside, what should I do? If we're cast aside, do you think I can survive properly out there? Shouldn't I be the one most worried about being cast out?"
"They won't...they won't throw you away."
"You're right. They won't," I replied, smiling. I found my way to the bed where he lay despondently and ran my hand through his hair. "I'm important. You're as important to me as I am to them. They can't take you away from me, Darryl. I can promise you that at least."
"You can't do anything, Winifred," he chuckled, touching my forehead with the pad of his finger.
I really didn't look like I was capable of carrying out my promise. I understood his disbelief. It was familiar, actually. I promised my mother once, that I would protect us and build her a huge castle. In the end, I couldn't protect her or build the castle because of that demon of a father.
There was a soft knock on the door. The door opened and from the vivid blue gown, I knew it was Lady Freya. She joined us on the bed.
"Forgive me, my lady."
"For what?" I asked, suspicious of her sudden request. She chuckled and sighed, confusing us further.
"I am actually so anxious about this party. I sent out the invitations and I didn't expect so many people to show up but...the carriages started arriving and my voice just... seized. I have disgraced you, my lady."
"You're being ridiculous again, Lady Freya. I left this in your hands because no one is more capable than you. As the daughter of the grand duke, there is no way you'll disappoint me, right?"
"My lady...you look quite sinister when you smile like that. I really won't disappoint you!"
"Then I'm pleased."
We sat there in silence, waiting to be called upon. The sound of their breathing somehow calmed me down. Growing up as my father's child left me really lonely. But now, I was surrounded by people who actually cared for my well-being. It was such a...warm feeling.
There was another knock on the door. This time, it was a maid informing us that all the guests have been welcomed properly and were waiting for us to join them.
Darryl escorted me down to the garden whilst Lady Freya followed us from behind. I heard her slip into her polite tone and Darryl's hold on my hand tighten. It was my indication that we had reached the main party.
Spotting Nathan, I pieced together the fact that he was the one who welcomed the guests rather than Lady Freya who ran away. But he wasn't alone. The Prince's boisterous voice could also be heard from the entrance of the gazebo in the garden.
"Ah! There she is! My precious little lady," Prince Ferdinard announced. I felt the gaze of several different people on me at once, the pressure in the room suddenly increasing.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Winifred. You're welcome to my tea party. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed setting it up," I greeted, curtseying.
"Isn't she so polite and cute?"
I ignored his babying remarks and let Lady Freya lead me to my seat. Darryl wanted to stand behind me but was immediately corrected by Lady Freya's sharp words uttered under her breath.
Now, I had just one more problem to get rid of. The strangely excited prince.
"Your highness, I didn't know you enjoyed tea parties," I said, receiving my cup from the maid chosen to serve me.
"I do like tea but I'm here to look after my precious little lady. Isn't it normal for a guardian to be worried for their ward's well-being?"
"Are you saying that our guests could potentially be a danger to my well-being?" I pressed.
"I do not know. But it's good to be doubtful in situations like these. Please, don't mind me and continue enjoying your tea."
That's just what I wanted to hear. Having the prince here was a good backup, even if it wasn't planned. Most of the guests here were truly here to confirm my connection to the prince and how firm it was. Just by bantering with him, it gave a clear picture that I was important enough for him to forgive my impertinence.
Now that I had established my position, this tea party can go on smoothly.
The tea party was a truly exhausting affair. They shamelessly prodded at our personal life and tried to use my blindness as a way to put me down. My position as the saintess was enough to quieten the gossip-hungry idle ladies of nobility but they were experienced in the art of digging for gossip.
"Ladies, my lady's health is quite poor these days. The sun is going down and it'll take quite a while for you all to return to your own homes. I suggest we end today's tea party here Your company was most enjoyable and I hope we'll maintain our relationship in the future," Lady Freya said smoothly, saving us all from those hyenas. And if that wasn't enough to send them off, the prince's imposing figure did the trick. Soon, they were all gone.
"That was so tiring," I commented, drowning in my bed as soon as I arrived in my room. Hearing Lady Freya chuckle in response, my irritation rose. How dare she find this funny?
"You did so well today, my lady. They couldn't find your weakness."
"Of course. Such a puny alliance of hyenas couldn't hope to defeat me in this life."
"That confidence of yours scared them off, I bet. Now, my lady, you must have a bath before you take another nap. Please stay awake long enough for the servants to arrive to bathe you."
"Well, I have a question I have been wanting to ask. That should keep me awake long enough. You organized the guest list, correct?"
"I did. Most of the ladies present with their children are affiliated with his highness. Ergo, they're on our side. I wanted us to build a relationship with them."
"Would your father be satisfied with this? The news of this tea party would undoubtedly spread tomorrow."
I felt her hand brush through my hair and the warmth she radiated.
"Those aren't things you should be worrying about, my precious little lady. Now, you just need to worry about taking a bath and your precious nap, okay?"
"I shan't be dragged into your family matter."
"I promise you shan't, my lady," she replied, chuckling.
The news of the tea party did spread in the capital and the responses of the other nobles were carried back in the grapevine through our own gossipy maids. Prince Ferdinand's faction was somewhat pleased with this solely because I was the Saintess but the other factions were clearly displeased by the tea party.
One thing's for sure. It won't be quiet from now on.
"I'm leaving, Winifred. Don't miss me too much now," his highness said as he climbed into his carriage. Perhaps I misspoke. It truly would be quiet from now on.