||Chapter Two||
Désolé Madame Medici||
N A R R A T I V E||
Talia ate the last of her breakfast and got up taking out the note her mother had written for her.
'I've gone to work. I'm coming home late today'
Talia sighed. Her mother always overworked. She tied her brown waves into a bun that was hardly neat. She turned to leave but stopped on her heel once she stared at the black coat that sat on the couch.
"Think of it as a Thank you Gift" A familiar voice of velvet replayed through her mind.
She remembered last night. The two ravishing men who looked too superior to even sit on that olden and crumbling couch.
Talia shook her head. Remembering the crazy sparks she'd felt when she only held that dark haired mans hand. She refused to wear his coat nor was she wearing that silver ring which was safely hidden inside the safety of her pillowcase.
She saw their gifts as a charity case.
With that thought she open the door instantly regretting it after she had done so. It was freezing. Zayn still had her usual hoodie. She look back at the coat which sat on the couch, seemingly taunting her. Waiting for her to wear it.
If she didn't wear it she'd get sick, her mother would worry and would have to stay at home instead of her job which would make her worry even more. Talia rolled her eyes in annoyance and trudged begrudgingly to the couch snatching the coat.
"Stupid priorities" she grumbled.
She put it on feeling extremely ashamed of herself.
'I'm an official charity case' she thought.
The thought itself made her lips purse in annoyance.
The dark coat was way too large for her small frame. The trench-coat was oversized and reached all the way to the floor. It's eminence seemed to burn the floors with mockery since the coat itself could have been worth three times the price of her own home.
It was made of soft cotton and it was shown that it was handmade by any of the most famous designers. Talia inhaled the most enchanting scent she'd ever inhaled in all her life. The soft smell of chocolate and mint radiates from the coat to her nose.
She subconsciously sunk to the coat and tugged the fabric closer to her body. The scent itself was comforting.
She then got up and make her way out the door walking to work. She put on her headphones and let the music drown away from this cruel world we all lived in.
As she walked her dark brown eyes were closed as she inhaled the strangers musky and intoxicating scent. It was divine. To die for. She continue to walk until she was out of that dreaded place she calls 'home'.
How could she ever forget such a face? Such pale and clear and glowed like the moon? Dark hair the same shade of the night sky and eyes as blue the ocean. Maybe some strange violet interlaced however she thought against it.
'Who could own purple eyes? Don't be ridiculous' she had thought to herself.
Talia opens the door to the cafe and walks inside. She took off the coat against her will the and put on the apron the now boring apron.
She then started her shift.
M E A N W H I L E||
"You really are so irresponsible Zayn you should really stop running loose! This is getting ridiculous! If any of the other tribes hear about this they would see us as a joke" Yelled Vera to her second son Zayn.
The boy only rolled his bright blue eyes as he ate his breakfast in silence, used to her obsession with keeping the reputation of the family intact.
The Mute maid poured coffee on each cup expertly.
"We are already above the other tribes. They wouldn't dare to see us as a joke anyway" Zayn retorted cutting a loaf of bread before putting it in his mouth.
He stared at his hand noticing his missing silver ring and fought a grin once remembering that it still was with the girl.
"A girl helped me anyways. She was nice," He retorts as he ate a slice of bacon.
Damonous who sat on his seat ate nothing as he picked at his food. His mind swirled with the memory of the strange and kind girl he'd met. The girl who owned mysterious chocolate colored eyes and slightly sun kissed skin. Natural waves which caressed against her lower back.
Living in a high class family kindness was deemed as a myth. If someone did something for someone it was known as a favor, which meant there was always something that was wanted in return.
She however didn't.
It was rare for him to see such kindness. Especially from a girl since all they did is want something from him. They always did. Either the money, or perhaps the fame or expectedly the Pleasure.
Women dreamed of him, men looked up to him. It was strange really, to be both admired and feared at the very same time. He was used to all the attention, never caring for it, but not disliking it either. Rumors said that he was barbaric. Others said that he was the portrayal of pure darkness.
Eventually, the people had named him the Dark Prince, mainly because of the darkness that hung around him wherever he had walked, and the coldness that followed with every step he takes.
He was the one of the seven inlined to the throne.
People didn't know wether to fear him becoming the Alpha of Europe or to thrive. This Dark prince was unpredictable.
"Damonous have you even heard a word I said?" Vera nagged. Her voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
Damonous' eyes slowly dart to her direction. His dark eyes of sapphire stone met with hers through intense eyes of disapproval. He did not hear what she had said, nor did he care. The look he gave was so lethal, Vera couldn't help but shrink in her seat in submission. Still, even with all the fear he inflicted on her he would forever be Vera's favourite child.
"No" He said, his voice lacking emotion.
"Your father wants you to go back to school." She says.
Hearing this his one dark brow rose.
"Tell Daivat, he could tell me what I can and cannot do when he is actually here cleaning up the messes he made" He said refusing to call the man father.
The Lady of the house was already used to his rebellious behavior.
Zayn remained silent.
The uncomfortable tension couldn't be ignored as a silence so loud rung within the four walls of the dining room.
A side of Elisè's lips lift into a daunting smirk loving every passing moment of it.
"Don't use those that tone on your father Damonous after all he's the Alpha-"
Frustrated, Damonous got out of his seat.
"I lost my appetite" He mumbled and walked up the grand stairs.
"You know Damonous-" Said Elisé her voice feigning innocence.
"I think you would do well in school" She says. "Can you imagine?.... The Medici siblings unite-" She said cutting a scone before turning to look at his broad back.
"-As the Dark Prince returns."
Damonous rolled his eyes his back still turned.
"I'm not going to help you ruin peoples lives" He simply said.
Zayn chuckled earning a glare from his now annoyed sister. "But Damono-" However he was already gone.
It was hard to not notice the warmth which returned to the room after he took his leave.
Elisé rolled her crystal blue eyes at the maid as she walked to take away her cup. The hostile girl flicked her hand at her. "I wasn't done yet" She snapped. The maid looked down at the floor in submission.
"Now go get me another cup of coffee" She demanded.
However noticing her mother's eyes on her Elisé looked up. She noticed the glare in her mother's eyes. The young girl shrugged before looking back at the mute maid.
The maid nodded her head and took the cup and walked inside the kitchen.
She took the empty glass but flinched feeling a tight tug to her chest. She tried to scream but with her disability she remained mute.
The toughness hardened giving the poor lady a swirl of pain. She held onto her chest as she gripped onto the counter. She then fell to the floor earning a crash as the glass fell down to the floor.
"What the hell is going on in there!" Vera yelled.
The mute maid was on the floor gripping onto her chest in pain.
Once the young mistress entered the room she gasped at the Maids state.
"Zayn!" She distressed.
"Yes Mother?-"
"Call a damn Ambulance" She snarled.
However the Lady of the house returns her attention to the maid who couldn't speak once feeling her hand grip her ankle. Vera's eyes locked with the teary eyes of the mute maid who had been loyal to them for a decade. She lifts her hand in sign.
However Vera understood very well what that sign had meant.
'My Daughter.'
Although the mistress sometimes treated her horribly, she still had a beating heart, and though she'd never admit it, she had grown quite fond of this maid.
Vera clicked on the phone. Finding her most recent contact. She read the name.
Talia.
T A L I A||
"One Chocolate Chip Frappuccino!" I yell for the customers attention. I turn to start my other before I hear my phone ring. I pull it out of my pocket and read the caller.
Mom.
I was quick to answer. "Hello Mom?" I ask.
"Hello?"
I nearly jump out of my own skin. My mother couldn't speak!
"W-Who is this?" I ask my hand holding onto the counter for support. "Hello my dear I am your mother's Madame" She said. Her voice was laced with hints of a french accent. "Is she alright?" I ask my grip on the counter tightening as I wait for her reply.
"We're at the hospital she had just had a heart attack. I'll send you the address" She explains. "O-Okay T-Thank you!" I stammer and hang up. I rushed my way to my boss.
"Hello Madame, my mom is in the hospital there has been an accident can I leave early-"
"Nope" She says popping on the p.
The official owner of this place took the day off. Her Daughter Eva took her place. She smirked. I glared at her as she twirled her dyed baby pink hair with her finger. "W-What do you mean no?!" I snap. I had the horrible habit of stammering whenever I was afraid.
She simply shrugs. "Your supposed to work hm?" She says. I rolled my eyes. My mom just had a heart attack. I don't have time to deal with some petty things. "Whatever Eve" I say stomping out of the cafe in rage.
How could people be so cruel? Was humanity really dead?
"The second your foot leaves this cafe your fired" She says. Earning a couple of stares and getting attention from the customers I grab the stranger's black coat and walk out to the door with no hesitation.
However just before I step out I turn to face the pink haired bimbo. "I would burn money for my mother " I say I tilt my head to the side. "However I highly doubt you would do the same."
The entire Cafe remained silent as Eve shrunk into her seat in shame. I step out of the cafe and run towards the first taxi I saw. I give them the address and they drive full speed after I explain my situation. Humanity isn't dead after all I guess.
If my mother leaves then I don't know what I'll do with myself. If my mother doesn't open her eyes I won't know how I'll cope. She's the only family I have. The only friend I have. Hell she's the only person I talk to and the ironic part of it all is is that she can't even talk!
"We're here" The taxi Driver hurriedly said. I throw all the money I had not caring if it was more than enough. "Thank you so much!" I thank him as I rush inside the hospital like a mad-woman.
The only thing that was holding me together was the strangers scent of Minty Chocolate.
I ran and ran until I reached to the counter panting.
"Room under the name of Esmé De Mara" I pant. "Fourth Floor Room 204" Muttered the woman. Not uttering another syllable I run up to the elevator. I click onto the fourth floor.
I closed my eyes. My mother. My mother! Wasn't it hard enough that we were so broke? Why the her life away? She's the only reason I'm holding on right now. I opened my eyes revealing that the elevator walls were made of mirrors. Tears of defeat stream down my boring brown eyes in my reflection. Once the elevator doors open I run panting until I reach to room 204. I slam the door open and hurry inside.
I come to see my mother wrapped around with wires and monitors. "Mama..." I whisper. I wipe my tears away with my back hand. I slowly make my way to her realizing she's awake. "Hello Dear" I turn to see a beautiful woman with fair skin of ivory and hair reaching only under her chin. Her eyes were bright and hazel though they sparkled under the sunlight of the French sky which was welcomed by the opened window.
She wore a black tight shirt and black plaid skirt with black stockings. Around her she wore a scarlet blood red lipstick which was the exact same shade of her coat. I bet it was poached by a poor creature. She wore earrings which I was sure was three times more valuable than my mere life as her pale neck showered with jewels as were her wrists and fingers.
She took a sip of her chamomile tea. "The Doctors had stabilized her she had a heart attack." She explained. I remained silent as tears streamed down my cheeks my hands balled to fists.
"But that's not all" She said. I remained silent. The Lady laughed.
It was by no means friendly.
"Don't you want to know why she's being stabilized?" Asked the lady.
"Why?" I asked.
The corner of his red lips curved, satisfied with my obedience.
"You see your mother has Influenza Flu" Said the Lady bluntly seeming to be bored.
"What's that?" I inquired.
She rolled her eyes.
"Right, I forgot your poor fools didn't receive an education" She mumbled.
I ignore her comment.
"Your mother has Influenza Flu, meaning an ordinary flu but more dangerous and life threatening if not treated. So your mother will be staying stabilized in this hospital" She explains.
"But-" She says standing up and walking up to me. "We can't have a maid missing in our household" She simply shrugged once she stood next to me as we both watch my mother at her most vulnerable state.
I took note of the woman's scent of cherries and apples. "So your taking your mothers place. If she isn't well within a month then you are dismissed" She explains. My hands balled tighter into fists. "You will be working under our care for one month. You will be our Maid. This is not up for any discussion" She says sternly.
She looks at me while I didn't look back but only stared at my mother in complete silence.
"Do I make myself clear?" She asked.
I nod my head once.
"Yes Madame."
She rolls her eyes.
"Madame is a name for old people. Call me Lady Vera. I am young enough to be your older sister!" She hissed. I flinched. "Sorry... Lady Vera..." I say my head falls as I stare at the floor in defeat, my eyes glossed with tears.
Lady Vera places her finger underneath my chin lifting my head up to face her, my eyes lock with her hazels, I notice they had green flecks on them. "Aw, chin up dear," She says with a smile that wasn't genuine. It was cruel and mocking. "Us Medici's aren't all that bad" She says grinning her pearly white teeth. I compared them with canines.
I remembered the days my mother would come back home with bags underneath her eyes. Sleepless nights as she even did Lady Vera's children's homework overnight. They drained her. Every ounce of my mother's energy was drained. I turn my gaze towards my mother.
Will that be me? Will I become like that?
Drained?...
The woman lets go of me. "Now come, your shift starts now" She says as she walks to the door. I looked at my mother's state once more before I left.
A Maid. A month.
How can one live with the fact that your mom is in the hospital. How can you live on with yourself when you realize how you wouldn't know if she's okay?
I shook my head. No. No sad thoughts. This is why I'm here. I'm here to fight. I'm here to take my mother's place. I nod my head at the thought and follow the cruel and crude woman. We stop at a shiny black Bentley as she enters the back seat. "Drive home" She ordered.
"Yes Your Royal Highness." He says.
I stared out the window.
N A R R A T I V E ||
Consuming into her thoughts Talia stared out the window. She knew the people in there would not be kind to a poor girl such as herself. However she knew that she had to be patient. She had to bear this calamity with patience. Her mind wonders to all the possibilites to come. For she had lost her job at the café, and what if her mother doesn't get well within a month? How would she retaliate?
"Were here" Snapped the Lady. She elegantly got out of the car and sashayed her way to the entrance of the large house.
Talia examined the extravagant large and exuberant house. It was large enough to put Buckingham palace to shame. It held a dark and strange aroma although it had been designed in both a modern and classical model. A large garden the size of an entire beach was placed in the front as it had been planted with red and black and white roses. Talia followed the woman's feline steps as she opened the Grand Cherry Wood doors. Talia's brown eyes widened as she examined it from the inside in awe.
It was truly a sight to see. The marble abu black floors. The seats of the living room were made of leather cherry red as the walls were a vanilla white color. Talia then noticed that straight ahead was a wall made of glass which showed off the infinite pool larger than a size you would see in a hotel. She hurriedly followed the lady afraid to get lost who opened another door and walked inside a grand ballroom. Talia blinked twice. Did her mother seriously have to clean a house this big?
'No wonder she has a flu and is fighting her life in a damn hospital.' Talia grumbled mentally to herself.
"Now go to the maids room straight down that hall and to your right and wear the uniform and get to work" She said not sparring her a second glance. Her phone rang as she quickly picked it up. "Oh hello Zayn!" She exclaimed as she sashayed away her footsteps echoed through the grand walls. Talia furrowed her angular eyebrows in confusion.
'How many people are named Zayn these days?...' She thought to herself.
She simply shrugged and went to the door she was told to go to.
"You look Beautiful!" praised one of the maids. "Just like her mother Esme" gushed the other. Talia sent a warm smile at the maids but it faded as fast as it came once she saw her 'uniform'. The maid dress was adorable but was a little too short for her liking.
Talia pulled her hair up to a messy bun. "Where do I clean up?" She asked sweetly. The middle aged lady smiled. "You start in the living room" She said smiling. She nods her head and take the broom and the equipment and begin to help her mother.
She took out a broom and dipped it on the water. She watched as the foam spurs out to the marble floor.
She clean up every inch of the room. Every corner. Making sure she could see her own reflection in the marble floors. She then began to clean the windows. Unconsciously humming the lullaby her mother used to sing to her.
M E A N W H I L E... ||
Damonous walked towards the house with his phone pressed to his ear. "Don't you feel it?.." He asks, his velvet and smooth voice calm. However the rage and power simmered through it. "The power slowly fading away from you?... Is that why you called Alpha?" He taunts. "You are my son Damonous, join me that's all I ask of you, fly to England-"
"For what?" The young Prince had asked. "To separate me the same way you did to my brothers?" He challenged. The Dark Prince's jaw tightened in a fit of rage at his father's silence.
"I will watch you weaken Daivat. Day by day I will watch the power you worship fade away with pleasure."
The calmness within his tone only made the weakening Alpha quiver in fear.
"Only the Lady of the moon above will give you the punishment you deserve. You will burn in hell for your sins, and as you burn in that hell you will be loathed by your own flesh and blood, name nothing but a curse word said only for the damned, until your name... your legacy, will forever be forgotten."
"Damonous listen to me-"
However it was too late. He had hung the phone on his father's face.
He rolled his sapphire blue eyes and ran a hand through his brown almost black hair. He was so sick of it. His father's antics. How he would have always leave for his business trips and arrive at minimum three years later. Damonous's family had already reached the jackpot. They've already reached their highest peak. Daivat had risen to become Alpha of all Alphas in the world.
The Medici family became the most elité pack of wolves in the entire industry. They were the richest family in France. Wealthy and famous and held more power than the government. His father didn't need to work anymore. But his obsession with money and greed pulled and dragged Damonous into his mess. Making him lose his youth, childhood and so much more.
"Putain D'enfer" He mumbles.
Damonous slammed the door of the mansion open and trudged inside. He walked towards the kitchen and slammed the liquor cupboard open looking for a glass of carbonated water.
However he froze as he wanted to pour it once hearing an enchanting voice. Not too soft yet not to hard. Delicate but withheld its power. Electric sparks crackled within him like waves of pleasure. All the Anger and resentment seemed to have been forgotten.
His wolf growled furiously. He furrowed his dark and angular eyebrows following the noise in complete and utter confusion. Losing control was rare for a person like him. He walked following the voice of this strange siren until he stopped in the kitchen. He rose an eyebrow as he then noticed a girl with dark brown hair in a bun cleaning the windows. Her tiny back facing Damonous making it hard for him to see her face.
"Now it's time to say good night, Good night, sleep tight..."
She tilted her head to the side making Damonous notice that it was her singing. She turned to rinse the towel with water and soap.
His dark eyes widened once realizing who the voice belonged to, so taken aback that he had almost dropped his drink at the strange coincidence. Her familiar brown waves which reached all the way down to her back. Her rosy skin which seemed to be blessed by the suns kiss and her vivid chocolate brown eyes. Her long dark lashes fluttering perfectly every time she blinked.
It was her.