BOOK SIX
His fingers brush lightly against my skin, his touch warm and electric. He works slowly, carefully unlacing the gown, his eyes never leaving mine.
"There," he murmurs, his voice a purr of satisfaction. "That's better. Now, I believe you said you were serving Mistress Victoria?"
I nod, my throat goes dry.
"And you're certain that there's nothing…else…you're up to?" he asks, his eyebrows arching suggestively.
My breath quickens as this man's hands roam over my gown. The flutter of his fingertips against my skin is electric, making me acutely aware of the intimate nature of this exchange.
A dizzying rush of desire crashes over me and for a moment, I imagine myself surrendering to his touch, letting his hands linger over my body in all the ways that would be scandalous in this castle.
I hold his gaze, but my body trembles with a combination of fear and desire. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," I stammer, my voice barely a whisper. "I'm not...I'm not supposed to be doing this."
The pounding of my heart echoes in my ears as I attempt to gather my wits. My eyes dart away from his, suddenly acutely aware of my exposed skin, of the vulnerability of my situation.
"I'm not here to play games," I manage to say, my voice wavering.
He takes another step toward me, his expression unreadable. "Oh, I know you're not here to play games," he replies, his voice low and husky. "But I think you might enjoy playing with me."
My breathing grows rapid as my fear and desire war within me. I try to back away, my feet stumbling as I attempt to put some distance between us. "No," I whisper, shaking my head in protest. "I have to go...I have a task at hand."
With a strength I didn't know I had, I turn and flee, pushing past him as I rush down the hall. I can hear the clatter of my feet against the cold stone, the air rushing past my ears, as I try to put as much distance as possible between me and the man with the dangerous smile.
Fear, desire, and confusion mingle in my mind, but I know that I cannot linger. Mistress Victoria awaits, and I must not delay.
✨
The clang of the kettle, the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock, and the steady thud of my heart are the only sounds that penetrate the tense silence. My hands tremble as I pour the hot water into the delicate porcelain cups. My thoughts are like a jumbled mess, replaying Mistress Hanna's instructions over and over: "Just the right hint of lemon."
I add a slice to each cup, but the tea still tastes bland. Another slice, then another, my nerves fraying with each squeeze. More sugar? More milk? The uncertainty plagues me.
After an anxious eternity of dithering, I make a hesitant decision and add extra teaspoons of sugar and milk to each cup. Even though I am unsure of my choice, I realize that time is slipping away, and I must act.
My hands unsteady, I carry the tray into Mistress Victoria's chambers. The aroma of the tea mingles with the rich scent of the ladies' perfumes, and the sheer opulence of the room is staggering.
Mistress Victoria sits with five other women of honor, their imposing presence stifling the air.
I take a tentative step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind races, trying to recall every rule and etiquette I have learned. I cannot afford a single mistake.
"Did you suddenly forget how to walk, girl?" Mistress Victoria snaps, breaking the silence. Her tone slices through me, sending a wave of panic surging through my veins.
The other ladies chuckle and exchange knowing glances, the look of disdain on their faces making me feel as small and insignificant as a speck of dust.
I hesitate, the heavy weight of their mocking gaze bearing down on me. My muscles tense as I will myself to move forward, taking each step as though it were my last.
With shaky hands, I offer the tray of tea to the guests, my lips forming a polite smile. Mistress Victoria reaches for her cup, her eyes never leaving my face, as if waiting for me to fail.
My breath hitches in my throat as I await her judgment.