Gabriel POV
The car entered the gates that opened for them to pass and closed back behind them as the car approached and stopped in front of the stairs on the alley with the left side of the car facing us. Lucas got out first and came around opening the door revealing Lucy. He hold his hand for her like a true gentleman and she gladly took it getting out like a true lady with elegance and nobility as i heard Elijah scoffing behind me at the sight and I threw him a sharp glance.
Rose went to her friend hugging her dearly like they haven't seen each other in years but the sight only made me smile noticing their strong bond. After they hugged they started approaching us and once they were close enough I greeted her In my polite manner opening my arms as a friendly approach:
- Welcome miss Lucyla, Is such a pleasure to have you here!
- Oh thank you for inviting me I'm really excited to see the place and spend time with my best friend here!
She said with a squeak of excitement while i noticed Elijah rolling his eyes annoyed by the exchange with the corner of my eye. I sighed, what am I going to do with him?
Lucy was wearing an elegant lavender blouse with a v shaped collar with cute white lace flowers around it making it look very elegant completed by the dark blue jeans with silver star chain she got from our trip to the mall, her ginger curls were caught up In a high ponytail as some of her curls were resting on her shoulders giving her a stylish and graceful air, she had a very light natural make up on and I couldn't help the appreciation to see that she knows her natural beauty doesn't need covered with too much like I've noticed at other women, she also wore a nice pair of light purple sandals with a white with purple flower and little white pearls inside and a pretty small anklet with golden strap and a small heel, a pair of lavender and light pink cherry blossoms earings and a silver bracelet with stars on her left hand. I have also noticed Lucas focus on her as he joined us on our way back inside but kept glancing at the beautiful ginger lady who was now telling her friend how excited she is to be here and see the mansion with her own eyes. I left out a sigh knowing i wont be able to join them nor make them the tour myself but I really hoped I'll get to have dinner with them later on. Rose seemed to notice my expression as I felt her shyly tugging my sleeve and I glanced in her way as she gave me a sweet smile that made me smile back and forget about the sadness that took over just a moment ago.
After we got inside and I walked them to Rose's room while Lucy admired the place in awe as we made our way there I left the 2 girls there and I made my way towards the throne room where my subordinates were waiting for me with the worrisome reports, before I got inside I stopped in front of the double door taking a deep breath and looking back one more time thinking at the 2 girls that should be safe inside the mansion then i looked back towards the door decided to solve this problem and wondering why so many of them just keep coming on top of the other, I put on my business mode and finally stepped inside the door closing the door behind me ready to face this new reports.
Rose POV
Gabriel left us in front of my door and after he left we entered, Lucy was in awe checking every corner commenting and complimenting everything in the room but while she did that i couldn't stop my mind from wandering at him, on the way here i felt this sudden shift of his energy and i couldn't help but look at him as I did I noticed that glint of sadness and I just felt like I should comfort him, he's already dealing with so much responsibility but i admire how patient, strong and calm he is while doing so, my eyes wandered and stopped on the door as I thought of him hoping he will solve that matters soon and get a break.
-Earth To Rose!
My friend voice pulled me out of my thoughts as I turned my focus on her and I was meet with her smirk as she stood a few steps away from me.
-Eh? What?
I asked her confused of why she looked at me like that.
-You miss him already, how cute!
She said bringing her hand on her chin while putting her other arm on her waist.
-What? No, no, I was just lost in thoughts that's all, he's a Lord so of course he would be busy
I said nonchalantly while she sighed and shook her head.
- You really won't admit it, but anyways as I was saying this room is so beautiful look at all those amazing pieces! The pillows are so soft!
She said while picking up one of the pillows on the sofa and hugging it.
- It seems this place really won you over
I told her jokingly while chuckling
- Oh yeah I feel like moving in with you as well! The walls, the decor, the furniture, the paintings! Everything Is so mesmerizing!
She said dreamingly and i smiled tenderly at her. It wouldn't be that bad to have her around but then I recalled I should prepare something sweet for Gabriel as a thank you for everything and funny enough right at the moment Lucy said:
- Let's go and explore more of the mansion!
I chuckled and nodded my head, we made our way towards the door and got out I wasn't yet very used to the place and i felt like we will definitely get lost but I guessed the guards will be nice enough to help us find the way back. We went further into the corridor as we passed a door that was right next to mine and I assumed it was his, Lucy already checked my walk in closet and the bathroom and she was about to turn the golden round doorknob of his room when I stopped her hand.
-Lucy, what are you doing? We can't barge in every room!
I told her quite worried
- Calm down Rosy we are just exploring, I'd not like we are gonna steal anything abd he's not even here plus aren't you curious to see his room?
She told me like I was no big deal but I just couldn't bring myself to intrude in his room.
- No Lucy let's just not,please
I pleaded with her, she looked at me left out a sigh but listened and we continued our way deeper into the hallway as after a few more steps the hallway was splitting in 2. We decided to go on the left side admiring the beautiful paintings on the walls and the expensive furniture, we found some other rooms which Lucy decided to open and just have a look from the doorway as it seemed mostly unused as they looked like guest rooms. But as we reached the third door I felt maybe we are intruding so I suggested her:
- Maybe we should knock before entering?
I suggested her warmly but she dismissed it saying:
- Those are empty guest rooms I sure there's no one so i doubt we disturb anyone.
- Are you sure?
I asked her feeling a bit nervous
-Yes of course we are just exploring anyways so don't worry.
She said and then we reached the third door which she turned the knob and opened the door revealing a shirtless Lucas who seemed to be freshly out of the shower as his hair still had water droplets falling on his shoulders as he was drying it with a towel. And let me tell you he was HOT! I felt my cheeks warm up in embarrassment seeing the poor guy stunned looking at us while Lucy went silent, bringing her hands to her mouth and blushing furiously. I have never seen her blushing like that before but then she blurted out in the most stunned yet appreciative tone ever:
- HOLY CRAP you're HOT!
- Sorry sorry, we're so sorry Lucas! We were just exploring, I'm so so so sorry, we'll leave now!
I said as i slapped my forehead then took her by the shoulders dragging her out while the poor Angel chuckled seemingly amused by the situation answering with:
- That's alright I certainly didn't expected guests like this
I apologized more while I closed the door back and we left that spot as fast as our legs could. I was thanking all the stars up there that we didn't entered on someone else,especially a certain Elijah I doubt he would have taken it so lightly, this situation was already awkward enough. My friend Lucy seemed weirdly quiet for a few minutes so I was a little concerned and I decided to ask her:
-Lucy are you feeling okay?
She suddenly turned her attention to me with a confused expression that was quickly replaced by her usual sweet smile and she answered:
- Oh yes of course I'm good, don't worry
I stared at her for a few moments not very convinced but I decided to let it go.
After we explored a few more room we somehow got to the kitchen and I found the perfect chance to prepare him something sweet as a thank you, fortunately it was empty so as Lucy stopped to chat with the guards I decided to start baking. Sometimes I envied how easy she could make friends and how easy seemed for her to indulge in a conversation unlike me that I could barely muster some words and hardly keep a conversation going, I run out of subjects pretty easily especially if is not about stuff I really like.
I decided to bake something somewhat easy so I started preparing a pie with vanilla and banana cream. I started with the composition then as it was in the oven I made the cream. After everything was put together came my favorite part, decorating! I placed banana slices in whips of cream in a circle on top of the pie and sprinkled some golden sprinkles to give it a little more color then Ieft in it the fridge for later. As I exited the kitchen an elderly maid just made her way in, she seemed to be in the 40s with her chocolate brown hair in a bun, there were also grey threads in it, she seemed surprised to see me but then her expression turned a bit cold as she didn't seemed to like my presence there but still asked in a polite manner:
- Do you need anything miss?
- No thank you, I was just leaving
I shook my head and tried to pass by her when I hear her scoff then she mumbled something not that loud but somehow I managed to hear what she said:
- I wonder what did the Lord saw at her, acting so high and mighty tsk teens these days
I felt hurt by her words as I was just polite, I even wanted to tell her about the cake but I decided is better not to and I was glad I put it far behind so they won't probably notice it. As I was wondering what could have I possibly done to make her think of me like this I got grabbed by the hand and when I looked at the person I left out a sigh of relief.
- Rosy where have you been? I was looking for you!
My friend made a cute pouty face and I couldn't help but smile at her as I answered:
- In the kitchen
- Really? Well I'm hungry, is already lunch time! Come one of the guards offered to show us where the dinning room is!
She said and gently dragged me with her towards an angel guard. He was tall with broad shoulders, tanned skin, pretty emerald eyes, his amber hair was wavy neatly pushed back and he welcomed us with a beaming smile, he was wearing a golden Armour with 3 stars on the chest and a sword on his left side. I couldn't help but admire the impressive design of his Armour wondering who was the genius who created it.
He took us through the hallway and after a 10 or so minutes we arrived at a double door with golden round doorknob, 3 5-pointed stars were the center piece while lotus flowers were in the corners a nice long complete lily on each side facing each other and a rose flower on each door. While we were still walking Lucy engaged in a conversation with the guard and I kinda felt a little jealous of how easily she could get along with people so I was walking one step behind them as Lucy was on my left and the guard on her left but as we walked I felt another presence joining us so I looked on my right and i was meet with Lucas warm smile I shifted my attention fast as I recalled how we walked on him in that state but he didn't seemed mad yet that didn't made me feel less guilty. I peeked at him a few times but his whole attention seemed to be on my best friend as she chatted with the guard and I started suspecting there might be something more about the way he looked at her.
The angel guard opened the door for us while Lucy smiled at him and thanked him but then before he could follow us Lucas dismissed him saying:
-That won't be necessary they are in my care
That's when Lucy heard him and she froze for a few moments and turned her attention to him saying :
-Oh Lucas when did you got here?
She gave him a bright smile and i noticed his eyes sparkled while looking at her. I heard a little chuckle coming from somewhere close so I looked behind but there was no one else around and then I realized that I might have came from my mind? As i was trying to understand what just happened Lucas voice pulled me out of my thoughts:
-Miss Rose? Everything alright?
I looked up at him and found Lucy also staring at me concerned while the guard was gone so I recomposed myself and answered with a smile:
-Yes yes I just got lost in my thoughts
They seemed relieved so we continued our way entering the dinning room, we walked on a nice golden carpet as I admired the crem floors and the pretty golden frames, on the sides of the carpet were long tables with many chairs, this place was huge and could shelter at least a few hundreds of people, Lucas leaded us to the far table situated above 2 treads placed on horizontal with 24 chairs, 10 on a side 10 on the other and 2 in each head, they had pretty golden soft pillows on the back and seat. Lucy took one of the seats in the left head the one closer to the 2 stairs as Lucas took the one on her left with the back at the entrance and I took the other seat on her right. For whatever reason I felt that something inside me stirring as I thought of this table because it seems like an important place judging by its placement so I couldn't help but ask Lucas if it really was okay for us to sit there:
-Umm Lucas?
I asked shyly and he turned his attention on me noticing my nervousness. His expression seemed to encourage me to continue what I was asking so I did.
-Are you sure we are allowed to sit here? Maybe one of the other tables are more fitting?
-The Lord gave me clear orders that you may sit at this one
He answered me with a smile.
-Why?
I couldn't help but ask him confused
-Why wont you want to sit here?
He asked me instead tilting his head with a curious gaze.
-Well I just.. i mean.. It seems like is an important one, I guess he would be the one to stay here judging by the position.
I said shyly while He smiled seemingly impressed by my deduction
-Well you're right it is indeed the table he sits at but he wanted you and your friend to stay here, you're really important for him if he insisted for both of you to be placed here.
Lucas stated with his warm tone and I started wondering why can't Elijah be like this as well, it would be so much easier but ironically just as i finished thinking about him and i was about to say something it seemed like my thoughts materialized as he came from a door on the right of the table following a lady that came from the exact same door.
She was slim, kinda tall around 1,78 cm, with a long dark crimson red wavy hair placed freely in the back with a few strands on the shoulders and a braided strand going from one side of the head to the other resting on the back of her head. She was wearing a dark blue dress above the knees with a cut on the right front side, the dress seemed to have elegant straps off the shoulders embraching her body with a deep v neck line and backless, her shoes were the same color but she had high heels with a cute bow with pearls on the front. This woman seemed to be in her mid 20s like a 25 or so and she walked like she owned the place I could smell her arrogance but I kept a straight face and i took a peek at my friend who's face showed disdain.
, the women shoot us a glare and asked us:
-Hey You! Who are you and why are you at the Lord's table?
She asked visibly annoyed but Lucas answered for us with a hint of pride:
-They're guests, the Lord's most important guests
She looked at Elijah who sat 2 chairs away from me like I had some contagious disease and he nodded his head
-And why are they at this table?
She asked again at which Elijah answered this time:
-The Lord's orders
After his answer I could feel her hostility but she quickly turned her expression into a fake friendly one as she went towards Lucas and leaned on his shoulder as he furrowed his brows at her action while my best friend face darkened for a few moments until she covered it with a fake smile.
-Oh Lucas dear who are your friends?
She said in a fake sickening sweet tone as I did my best to keep my mask on. Poor Lucas seemed uncomfortable with her touch but tried to stay polite it seemed it wasn't the first time this occurred. He cleared his throat his mood suddenly seemingly gloomy and he introduced us:
- They are Miss Rose and Miss Lucyla, the Lord's guests
He said putting accent on the last part and I started to get the feeling that something was really off with this lady.
-Ah I see, nice to meet you
She said holding her hand towards me as I got up and shook it only to be polite and I can swear even though I knew she was human her face seemed to shoot me another cold glare. After I took my hand away I heard the other door, right beside the one Elijah and her entered through, opening and some maids came in bringing lunch in covered metal plates. I took my sit letting out a silent sigh of relief as the woman finally took a sit next to Lucas, once he escaped her touch his shoulders seemed to relax a little as he turned his attention to Lucy who was now giving a gentle smile.
The maids placed the plates in front of us taking the lid off as the smell of chicken hit my nose, there was some Peruvian-Style Chicken with green sauce and fried potatoes. It looked pretty delicious and I was very happy to very able to have a taste of it, as everyone started digging into the food I also did and I was enjoying it a lot when her voice broke me from my little bubble making me almost lose my appetite:
- Is delicious isn't it? The Lord has the best food in the entire town, oh poor thing you probably never tasted something so delightful before.
She said with a fake sympathy and In return I only gave her a blank stare that seemed to only fuel her anger as I answered nonchalantly:
- Is not my first time eating chicken but I can say the food is very delicious thanks to the efforts of the people that made it.
I felt the maids throwing a curios look at me as I finished my words, Lucas gave me a warm smile seemingly happy to hear such a polite answer. Elijah seemed to roll his eyes but kept silent enjoying his food as the lady glared at me fir a brief second before putting on that fake smile again.
- So what do you girls do for a living? I used to be a model, I still am!
She said with so much pride in the end that I could barely hold myself from rolling my eyes, I don't have anything with models don't get me wrong but her arrogance was what I disliked so much.
- We work at a restaurant.
My friend Lucy chimed in.
- Oh what restaurant? You see I usually venture to the best restaurants but I don't recall ever seeing you two around.
She said with a hint of mocking in her tone as she plastered a smirk.
- Well yeah because is probably too small for your big ego.
Lucy said giving her the sweetest fake smile while Lucas covered his mouth trying to keep his chuckle in, even Elijah seemed to smile for the split of a second but it was so fast I wondered if I just imagined it. The lady shot her a sharp glare but then put on a fake hurted expression saying dramatically:
- No need to be so mean I was trying to get to know you better!
"Yeah sure or just humiliate us" I thought to myself but then Lucas next words got my attention:
-I'm sure she was just joking, isn't that right miss Lucyla?
He said as he turned to look at Lucyla with a smile that she gladly returned as she answered:
-Of course, I thought it was quite obvious. Im so sorry that you couldn't get the joke as well.
Lucy said giving a fake apologetic look. I had to restrain myself as not to chuckle while the lady just forced a smile.
-Ah hah my bad darling!
She said with a fake laughter.
Fortunately soon enough me, my friend and Lucas finished our food so we got up and left after thanking the maids who started picking up our plates. Elijah was almost finished so he stayed a little behind while we left to explore more of the mansion.
Elijah POV
The moment they went out the door I heard Emily huffing and she hit the table with her fist, I was expecting her to do that she's always so dramatic. I rolled my eyes unimpressed by her behavior I've seen her worse.
-How dare they! Those b!tches think they can humiliate me!
She started venting and thankfully I finished my food and as I got up to leave to be their babysitter for today she called my name:
-Elijah, wait!
I left out an annoyed sigh and turned to look at her with a rised brow answering her in my cold tone:
-What?
She was already used to my personality so she continued even though she trembled slightly.
- I have a plan and from what I see you don't seem to like them very much either so I'm sure you'll like this!
I kept quiet waiting for her to continue and she did:
- I can get rid of them but I need you help for this! I'm sure I can convince the Lord they aren't to be trusted and he should send them away and with your help there's no way this could fail!
She said her eyes sparkling with a smirk at the idea, I felt once again disgusted by how cunning and evil humans can be, but Emily well she was the type that won't give up until she gets what she wants and I wasn't a fan of this. Noticing my silence she tried to persuade me:
- C'mon Elijah won't it be easier, you won't have to deal with them anymore and I can help you with that!
Her tone was sweet, flirtatious as she came closer touching my chest and looking at me with dove eyes, I hated that, I hated those kind of women, shameless and cunning that try to seduce you so I pushed her away and she fell with a thud on her butt glaring at me. I didn't cared so I just turned around and as I made my way towards the exit I stopped and glanced at her with my coldest possible expression.
-No thank you and I told you to not touch me again
She trembled slightly under my gaze as I started walking again leaving her there without caring, I must have been harsh but I doubt I caused her any physical injury, I'm not a monster and I won't betray my lord for a scheming woman like her. As I was living I heard her yelling after me:
-Elijah! Come back! Elijah, you'll regret this!! Do you hear me? You'll regret refusing me!
"Tsk, women" I thought not sparing her another glance and started looking for my friend and the 2 girls we needed to babysit.
Rose POV
As we were having the tour with Lucas being our guide this time, we were having a great time listening to Lucas tone while he told us about the place and where the guards sleep, where the maids are and about a wing we shouldn't go to because the women there are still dealing with the traumas they lived and tend to have different reactions or be hostile as a defensive manner. Unfortunately soon I felt a different presence joining us and I peeked behind to see who it was even though I should have known from the uncomfortable feeling that it gave me, there a few steps behind stood Elijah looking even more colder than usual as I felt chills running down my spine and my good mood vanished in an instant. I tried not to look back and ignore him as Lucas continued to tell us about the mansion and all the changes made by the Lord, It wasn't easy though as I felt him following behind us. After a few hours of walking on the corridors i noticed a guard coming to Elijah seemingly agitated and I had a very bad feeling about it, Elijah expression turned even more stoic as his eyes seemed to stare that a fix point and Lucas stopped talking getting silent for a few moments I guessed they are probably communicating about something. Then Elijah turned and left us with Lucas and I could finally relax, Lucy on the other side got worried when Lucas suddenly stopped but after he cleared his throat and continued taking us through the mansion well she put the question that was on both our minds and i was so glad ahe did 'cause I wasn't able to find the right words to ask:
- Lucas what happened? Is everything alright?
Lucas turned to her giving a soft smile and answered trying his best to not scare us off:
-Don't worry is just a little issue but I'm sure Elijah can take care of it and he'll be back soon.
Even though he seemed calm I could feel the concern in his voice for his friend and now i was more curious of how did these 2 angels became so close friends as they are so different like night and day.
He wasn't as glowing as until then, i could understand him though, his friend was I'm the claws of danger while he had to be here taking care of us. Another guard stopped him as we were going to the now main wing, it was 4 pm at that moment but as their discussion seemed private and he told us to go without him and that he'll join us as soon as possible so we did as my friend took charge once again getting on a quite familiar corridor. I wasn't sure when or where i saw this corridor before but it definitely seemed familiar and then we stopped at a double door with golden round doorknobs as we came across a very familiar cherry wood door with 3 five pointed stars, lotus blossoms,2 lilies mirroring each other and some roses but before i could say anything Lucy already turned the knob and opened the door as we were meet with the view of the Throne Room. There on the throne was him looking like a true leader with a relatively small table In front of him, 3 other chairs where facing him having the persons backs towards us, he had some files In his hand but his attention snapped In my direction as I found myself trapped in his enchanting Sapphire eyes and my cheeks started to warm up. The guy on the far left turned his attention towards us and seemed very unhappy by the intrusion, his hair was a curly burnt umber that seemed so fluffy to touch, he had some cat ears with black tips and amber yellow eyes, he was wearing an antique brass colored shirt and dark red long pants and he also had a cat tail with black tip but that was definitely not a simple cat that looked like a puma. On his right, on the middle situated chair was another guy with long white hair and icy blue eyes, his ears were like elf ears and he was wearing a white shirt with blue buttons and teal blue joggers but he also had a long pale blue Asian coat with blue and silver snowflakes he looked very elegant. On the last chair on the right was another guy, he had a neat pale yellow hair and bluish green eyes, he was wearing a light blue shirt and black jeans.
My analysis lasted for only a few moments because the cat guy voice broke the daze I was caught in, his voice was cold and harsh as he asked:
-Who are you to intrude into our important meeting?!