Kingdom of Alba…
Tobias pov:
After my attendant informed me of the issue at Thelma's banquet I immediately went to the venue to check out what was happening.
The first thing I see when I arrive is all a circle that was created by my concubines and I could hear someone crying in the middle , once I made my presence known they all dispersed and bowed at me and I could finally see who was there in the middle, it was little lady Ethera. She was silently sobbing and hadn't noticed my presence.
I reached out to her and held her by the waist to help her up.
She finally looked up at me with still teary big eyes , adorable "Your majesty" she gasped as she realized the position we were in and she immediately detached herself from me and said "My apologies your highness , I never meant to create such a scene"
"You don't need to apologize for anything lady Ethera " I smiled genuinely at her to try to comfort the seeming devastated lady. What actually happened? I want to ask but maybe it's too soon. Let's first get all this cleaned up and I will ask her myself later. When she is less in the focus of everyone here.
"Guards , Eunuchs please accompany the rest of the ladies to their quarters , I will take care of miss Ethera here myself" I say and then signal to all servants to clean up the banquet.
Ethera is looking down at her feet and playing with her fingers , just like a kid who is going to take a spanking for misbehavior , so cute.
"Okay miss Ethera I will escort you to your quarters to get you clean clothes as these are mildly torn. You will tell me what happened then" she shyly nods at me and I hold her arm while her maiden whom I remember was called Heizel reached for her other arm and we marched towards my carriage that was to lead us to her quarters.
We soon reach the humble residence and Ethera goes down first , her Eunuch immediately comes up to the carriage wanting to check on his mistress when he sees me "Your highness , it is an honor to have you here" he bows and I lift my hand at him.
"Something happened at the banquet and I just came to check on the ladies , I will leave for now . Take care of your mistress and prepare for my arrival this evening" he nods and goes back to helping Ethera into the house.
I wait for a few minutes and then leave , I definitely need to know what happened and one person who will provide me those answers is Thelma.
I open the door to our chamber and find Thelma on the balcony staring at nothing in particular, she notices me and runs into my arms.
"Oh Tobias , have you heard of what happened at the banquet I prepared? It was ruined . I just wanted to welcome the girls in your harem but one of them decided otherwise and now the whole thing is ruined" she complains while holding onto my blouse.
"Now now, there " I pat her back softly until she calms down.
"What exactly happened Thelma? I want the truth." She backed away from me a little and started explaining the entire situation.
"It all started when Ethera arrived at my banquet wearing the same exact color dress as me and she came late which I though was odd and I asked myself whether she was trying to have all the attention on her but I didn't think much of it . We all sat down and began eating and chatting a bit .
Then she was given the task to serve me a drink, she approached me and right when she was going to lean into me to serve me , she tilted the jug she was holding and spilled the drink on my dress , drenching me and staining my dress.
She kept saying it was an accident but it didn't look like it , plus it made sense that she would want to destroy my dress because she wanted to be the special one at the table. Can you believe that?" Wow , it looks like a lot happened but I will have to get Ethera's version too . I want to make my own conclusion, plus from what I know of the young lady she wouldn't do that. She is not materialistic like that.
"I understand how it looks to you and how you am feel affected . Don't worry about it too much , it was probably a misunderstanding"
"Don't tell me you are taking her side? You don't know her at all , you and I have grown up together, you know I wouldn't make this a big deal if it wasn't justified " she argues .
" I know Thelma , I am not taking sides. But I will look into it okay?" She nods .
Ethera's pov ;
What did I do? Why did I have to trip ? Now the Queen hates me and everyone thinks I am an attention seeker . This is what happens when Avery is not present to attend these types of gatherings, i embarrassed myself out there and there is nothing I can do to fix it.
Ever since we came back Hygai and Heizel have been trying to cheer me up and they have been telling me it wasn't my fault and that I was not to blame myself for everything all the time, which I know is true but I can't just get rid of that trait of my character.
"If Avery was here , sh would have handled it way better" I say to Heizel and she looks at me in disapproval.
"No , absolutely not . We are not doing this. Stop comparing yourself , it was a small accident that could have happened to anyone , even all so perfect Avery , okay . So stop" I look down and pout.
"Ethera? You good?" I hear Avery asking me through our link.
"Um yes , I am doing great" I try to say cheerfully so as to not worry her.
"Really? Ethera I thought we were past that."
"I know I am sorry." I sigh "wait how did you know I was feeling down?" I ask her
"I don't know , it is new though. I guess the more our bond progresses the more the amulet let's us get a piece of each other's life and so emotions included" she explains , oh wow that is truly magical , grandma really surpassed herself for this.
"That is so amazing Avery , but not in this type of situation, I don't want you to have to worry about my saddened mood all the time, I am sorry"
" Ethera stop apologizing , for real. Your feelings are legitimate and you have the right to feel them whether they are positive or negative . And you will be feeling my emotions too so be ready to feel frustrated 24/7" she laughs and I smile a little , without realizing it she made my mood improve a little.
"Can we not talk about what caused my mood to drop? Heizel will tell you when you come next time" I negotiate with her .
"Sure thing . Um Ethera I have to go , girl's night." Oh that sounds fun , I've never been to one.
I tell her to have fun and we cut the link. Heizel looks at me relieved as she knows I feel much better now after talking to Avery.
"My lady , his majesty the king is here to see you" A servant informs me.
Oh oh. Here we go again.