"We're very sorry young master. We had no idea you were using this road for a ride today."
The rider of the horse turned out to be the eldest son of duke Kartier. A tall and strikingly attractive young man who exudes grace and elegance at first sight. His long and golden blonde hair fluttered in the wind as he quietly stood before us.
"What are you doing, Fati? Kneel before the young master at once and keep your head down." whispered Ivy as she tugged on my dress.
I was so entranced by his dazzling beauty that I had forgotten all about the rules. Before I became a slave, I was a princess who was revered by everyone around her because I bore the mark of divinity. I never bowed to anyone other than my parents, who were the reigning monarchs of our kingdom. Hence, like an idiot, I was staring up at someone who had the potential to end my life on a whim. I need to get a hold of myself before something bad happens to me.
"You may all stand, children."
Even his deep voice was beautifully compelling. It echoed inside my head while my heart began to pound loudly, and my face felt warm.
"You must be the new one my father spoke of. Your name is Fati, correct?"
Is he really addressing me? A mere slave? Moreover, what exactly did his grace tell him about me? I was so confused and nervous that my head had started spinning.
"Y-yes, young master. My name is Fatima, but everyone refers to me as Fati. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, young master." I introduced myself nervously.
I sound like a complete dunderhead! Why is my pitch so high?
"Raise your head and look me in the eyes, Fatima."
"With all due respect, young master, I'm afraid that will go against the rules I was made aware of upon my arrival at this estate. And according to those regulations, we will certainly be flogged, even for accidentally crossing paths like this."
He suddenly burst into laughter which caused me to jolt in shock. I became irritated since I could not tell what he was thinking. What I said was not funny in the least, so why is he laughing this much?
"You are quite an interesting slave, Fatima. The very first of your kind, I suppose. My name is Dimitriu Kartier, the successor of the Kartier Duchy. That being said, when I say raise your head, you must do so without refuting. Are we clear?" he spoke in a threatening tone.
I felt chills run down my spine as I quivered in fear. Hence, I quickly raised my head to meet his gaze. His bright green eyes, that resembled a fluorescent forest, were surprisingly warm. Much like his father's. My heart was pounding once more and this time something strange tingled inside my chest. I must keep calm. It's not as though I've never seen a handsome man before. My late brother's charms were unrivaled throughout our entire kingdom. I used to stare at his face every God-given morning, for goodness' sake!
"Now then, I brought you all some treats. Please keep in mind that I'm terrible at picking gifts, so I hope you understand if it does not suit your tastes." he chuckled while glancing at me.
What is happening right now?
"Young master brought us treats! See Ivy? I told you he would!" cheered Clover in excitement.
"Behave Clover!" muttered Ivy as she tugged on Clover's dress.
He came back from his horse holding a sac that seemed rather heavy. He then asked us to stretch out our hands only to distribute what looked like souvenirs from his travels. Am I the only one who's lost right now? Why would the successor of the Kartier Duchy be treating the slaves as though we're part of the household? Do the rules not apply to him since he's the prime heir? Ivy and Clover seem to have completely let their guard down around him as well.
"And this is for you. I heard you gave them names. I was planning on doing so upon my return, but you were thoughtful enough to do it in my stead. I thank you, Fatima." He grinned while ruffling my hair.
At that moment, the sun was no longer the brightest light of the day.
+++++++
"I was looking all over for you."
"Apologies your highness, I went on a horse ride alone in the forest."
"You should have told me; I would've tagged along."
He kept glancing around as if he was looking for someone. Is he alright?
"Your brothers are sparring in the training ground. Care to join?"
"There you are, your highneeeess!" yelled my sister as she jauntily waved in the distance.
He grunted and turned around to face the other way. The usual scowl on his face had quickly worsened. Now I see why he was acting that way earlier. He must have been trying to avoid her. Honestly, what exactly does she see in him?
"Apologies lady Florette, but I cannot spend time with you right now as your brother and I are about to spar."
"Your highness, I never agreed to spar with you. Remember?" I refuted with a sarcastic grin.
And this is your payback for dousing me in iced water on our trip to the north. I spent three weeks with a cold because of his childish prank.
"What are you doing right now Dimitriu?" he muttered angrily.
"Come to think of it, I believe a stroll with our Florette would help to lift your highness' mood. What do you think?"
"What a splendid idea, brother!" Florette exclaimed cheerfully.
The crown prince was, of course, seething in anger, but he could not freely express it for Florette's sake. He simply complied and quietly followed her, although that in itself is making me uneasy. I am well aware of the repercussions of my retaliation, but I could not afford another beating from him. The man is a beast in battle, so a one-on-one sparring match with him ought to be avoided at all costs.
++++++
It's so quiet here today. There isn't a single bird in sight. The only audible sound in this deafening silence was our footsteps. He has not uttered a single word ever since we began walking. Is he perhaps upset about going on a stroll with me?
"Spring is indeed breathtakingly beautiful. These white blossoms make for a rather stunning fall scenery. Don't you agree, your highness?"
As expected, no answer. When I turned around, he had already paused and was standing over a small ditch next to one of the oak trees, curiously staring at something in the distance.
"Stay still, Fati otherwise you will squash it! Haha!"
"Aaaah!! Get it off of my dress, quickly, Clover! Quickly!"
"Hurry up Clover, we've got to get back to work! You're having way too much fun with this."
"I got it! Aw! It's a cute little grasshopper. Isn't it adorable Fati?"
"Aaa…keep that thing away from my sight. I could still feel it crawling on me."
"Fati, don't run, or you'll fall and hurt yourself. Clover, stop chasing her, and put the bug down already!"
The sight of the slaves playing around in the field fascinated him. No, he was only gazing at one of the three. The scraggly little thing with silver hair and red eyes who dared to covet a name from father. I disliked her from the very first day we met.
"Your highness, these are just our slaves. Please ignore them. There is no need to sully your precious eyesight with the likes of these things."
Did he not hear what I just said, or is he ignoring me on purpose?
The crown prince continued to observe the slave, and his eyes followed her every move. He occasionally chuckled under his breath while keeping his gaze focused on her. She entranced him, which irked me. Crown prince Kazein never once gazed upon me or anyone else with such kind eyes before. What is so special about her?
~Three Days Later
"You have been spending a lot of time in the forest as of late, your highness. Has anything piqued your interest in there?"
"Have I?"
I've been following that girl around so much that I practically know all about her by now. I'm not sure why, but my attention keeps straying towards her no matter what I do. I keep thinking of her even when she's not around. I also find myself occasionally searching for her voice.
"What was that?"
"Must be a giant bird up there."
"Or a giant snake. Hiss! Hiss!"
"Aaahh!"
"Clover, stop teasing her! I swear I'm going to flick your forehead again! Fati! Wait for us!"
I was nearly caught spying on her.
"Will you at least attend Florette's tea party today, your highness? She's hosting it in your honor, after all."
"Damian where are the slaves working today?" he shifted his gaze towards the butler, blatantly ignoring my question.
"On Fridays they are in charge of cleaning the stables and bathing the horses your highness."
"Well then, I suppose I'll go for a quick ride. Will you come along, Dimitriu?"
His glare as he stood in the doorway made me shudder. Everything that comes out of his mouth sounds like a command. His imposing presence is enough to give me a heart attack. How did I survive a year with him?
"Apologies your highness, I'm afraid I'm swamped with work at the moment. I do hope you enjoy your ride." I declined swiftly, sounding as calm as possible.
"Suit yourself." He replied as he slammed the door behind him.
Is he still upset about what I did three days ago?
+++++
"Do you reckon Fati's doing well? I'm a bit worried. She was called by the young mistress of all people."
"Quit sighing and get back to work you two!" shouted the stable master.
"Yes sir!"
"What is with all the commotion?"
"Y-your highness! May the light of Alkaraz be with you!" we greeted with our heads bowed.
Hm…I don't see her around at all, where could she be?
"Do not mind my presence and continue to your chores."
"Thank you, your highness."
"You two…"
"Y-yes…your highness?"
They were trembling as if they were in the presence of some monster. This sight is familiar to me even in the capital, so it no longer bothers me as it used to.
"Relax, I won't harm you. I just want to ask you a question." I crouched on one knee in front of them.
"Can you tell me where your friend is?"
We're going to die.
"O-our friend?"
"There is no need to be frightened. I just want to know where the girl with silver hair went."
"Silver…? Oh! Your highness must be referring to Fati!"
I didn't want to mention her name since I learned it by stalking them. I can't even begin to imagine the humiliation I would suffer if that were ever to be discovered.
"Fati was summoned to assist the maids at the young mistress' garden tea party, your highness."
Why would a slave be anywhere near a tea party of all places. The duchess and her daughter loathe them so why would they…
"Could I ask you two for a small favor?"
"Of course, your highness."
+++++
"Goodness, I've never before seen a slave as clean and tidy as this one. Where did you acquire such a fine one your grace?"
"This was the work of his grace this time. Apparently, she's a special one. He even gave her a name."
"Good heavens! A name?!"
"My, how baffling!"
"Why would his grace grant a name to such a lowly creature?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, Countess."
How long must I keep holding this heavy parasol for? The maid who told me to wait is taking forever to return with the support. I'm not allowed to move, sneeze, or even scratch an itch. I thought us slaves were not permitted near the estate, what am I doing in the middle of a tea party?
Ugh! This is an entirely new form of torture.
"Fatima?"
"Indeed, that is her name."
"My word! It sounds awful!"
I thought I had left all this behind when I was forced to leave my homeland. To think I would have the displeasure of being at the same events I used to dread. Life sure can be very surprising. Their incessant cackling is starting to annoy me. Where could that maid have run off to-oh! There she is!
"Hey you!"
Just when I thought I was free to return to my duties, the young mistress called. And it seems she has something up her sleeve.