The sky started to dim and Olivia sighed in defeat. It was time she head back to the mansion if she never wanted them spotting her absence. The worst part of it, getting Antonia in trouble.
She did not know why she grounded her teeth thinking of anyone punishing her handmaiden. To Olivia, the girl was only doing her job. She ordered her to take her out of the mansion, so no one had the right to punish her but herself.
Olivia sensed how Antonia was quiet while they meandered through the already scanty market. Not like her maid was not quiet, but she sensed the distress in her silence.
She vowed inwardly not to let anything happen to her. She was going to keep Antonia by her side and make sure she was alright, as she saw how loyal she was.
"Once we get back, you have to get me ready for a bath. I feel so... tensed." She stretched her back as she trodded forward. She would look for how to cope with her fatigue since she was not used to mass gatherings.
Olivia thought her words were going to make her handmaiden respond to her statement, but she was wrong. Antonia nodded not realizing her attitude toward the Princess.
She sighed seeing Antonia brooding and decided they walk in silence. It would be awkward, but she didn't mind it.
...
As they kept moving forward, it got darker. Every stall started to light up for traders who were ready to do some night business. It looked so breathtaking and the Princess swore she never saw something like this.
The hushed interactions, the cheery people, and the assured smile that they were safe in their environment. It was contagious. This was the first time she wanted to stay out of the mansion.
But she didn't dare think about it. Olivia stiffened her resolve to head back home, despite how tempting it was to stay outside. If anyone ever noticed that she was missing, the blame would be on her handmaiden.
She wasn't going to be selfish enough to put Antonia in trouble.
They walked past every stall and finally got to the end of the market. The quietness in this area was soothing. She could hear the crickets chirping as percussion to the music silence had to offer.
As they took a step closer, while the sky started to give pinkish and blue colors, her eyes caught a single firefly flapping away. She smiled as she felt so free, as though nothing was hindering her.
It would be sad to return to the place where she felt like she had no hope. A place where she didn't even feel like it was home. She would get used to it. She thought.
As they drew closer to the path made of clean stones, Olivia's fear of going back to loneliness increased. She considered abandoning Antonia and running off, but that would be too much trouble. Did she forget that her father's health was hanging on weak threads?
She sighed after battling with her thoughts. Olivia only headed forward, not minding what awaits them in the darkness.
As soon as they reached the gates leading into the mansion, she stiffened. Her gray eyes gleamed in the darkness, making out the outlines of two people.
There were no guards stationed there when they left, why were they here now? This would only make their entering more difficult. Still, she headed forward, ignoring Antonia who paused on her steps.
Zain and Reginald were standing outside the mansion gates. He couldn't believe his friend would think of waiting here for someone who thought wrong about him. He assumed it was foolishness on the part of Reginald.
But who was he to talk the man out of it? He would only end up speaking to a wall.
Zain thought Reginald never cared about the princess. He was starting to think his friend was unable to keep his word. This was because he was doing the opposite of what he spoke.
He sighed and cast his eyes on the darkening sky. Stars would start peeking from the vast, dark carpet looking like little crystals from afar.
"Look who said he doesn't give a fuck about the Princess. You're looking like a worried mother hen right now. Just admit that you care about her." He couldn't help but blurt those words out. Zain felt Reginald sending him a glare. It appeared his words affected him that much to give such a reaction.
He was glad it happened. At least, that would give his friend an insight into his actions.
"Let's head in. Order the guards to lock the gates." His voice sent tremors to the redhead man who stood beside him. Zain could feel his friend's dark eyes piercing holes into every part of his body.
He wanted to roll his eyes because of his words but dared not. It was not completely dark, and Reginald could make out his figure.
Just when they were about to step in, they picked up distant footsteps meters away from them. It came from the left direction.
Reginald and Zain cast their gaze in that direction, only to make out two feminine figures. One was some steps ahead of the other one who paused.
Reginald tore his eyes away from them and remained stationed by the gate. He felt Zain's gaze on him. It was telling him 'look what I mean??'
Olivia stopped before them, her eyes fell on them. She was quiet and she tore her gaze from them. She cast a side look to Antonia whose head drooped to her chest, never daring to raise it.
Olivia ignored the intense gaze she felt coming from the man before her. She took a step in only for her to stop because he said something.
"Trust you had fun today."
Antonia and Zain: "..."
Olivia: "!!?"
____
Busted!🤭
What'd you think is gonna happen now?
Let me know in the comments.