I placed a hand on my chest and slowly exhaled. Okay, I can do this. Just act totally normal, behave, and be polite. Let's go! "Yooo, Madam Amelia!" I waved to the head maid with a smile.
Madam Amelia turned to me, unamused, and sighed, "What do you want, Alice?"
"Whaaat?" I wheezed. "What makes you think I want anything but to see the esteemed, strong woman who has taken such good care of me—"
"Spit it out."
"Yes, of course." I cleared my throat. "Um, I was just wondering if you know about the event this evening. I-I was just listening to the other maids and... just thinking if I could bear witness to it?"
I swear I saw a vein pop on Madam Amelia's forehead. "You... you wish to be close by while the Crimson Covenant is occurring?"
I tried to smile innocently. "Yes?"
"No."
"What?! Why?!"
"Look, Alice, this rare event is crucial, not only to me but for everyone—the Marrow family and all who serve them."
"I know that," I tried hard to keep my voice steady. "I know that more than anyone, so—"
"So you can understand why I cannot let you be near it, can't you?"
"I..." I breathed in. "I understand why."
"Good then—"
"But is that all I'm going to do for the rest of my life?" I interrupted her, my chest tightening with heat. "I understand that I've shown to be clumsy and careless, but I'm not... I'm not stupid. I-I can do better than just cleaning dusty attics or removing cobwebs from abandoned rooms no one cares about. I... I can do more."
"Alice—"
"Just this once! Let me be there, and I won't ask for anything—I won't expect anything, just... please, Madam Amelia."
Madam Amelia's eyes widened and her mouth slightly agape. How dare I ask something like this of her? I know, but I promised someone. I can't let her down.
I heard Amelia sigh deeply, and my heart almost broke as I prepared myself for another rejection.
"It is unusual for you to ask this, or anything at all," she said slowly. "So, I'll allow it."
"Oh, come on, it's not fair—oh wait, wait, wait, what?"
"On second thought, forget I said anything."
"No! No, no, please, I—T-thank you, Madam Amelia, so much."
Madam Amelia huffed, but then I felt a gentle pressure on my forehead as her hand delicately rested on top. "Please, be careful, Alice."
I opened my mouth, but the words seemed so scrambled and useless that I simply nodded and leaned into her touch for just a moment longer before she retracted her hand. Then she left without another word. As she did, I could still feel the warmth of her touch, and I smiled truthfully.
✧༺♥༻∞
It's funny how the mind perceives time. When I'm bored and without purpose, time seems to stand still, especially when I want the day to end the most. However, when I'm fixated and focused on a particular interest, time seems to rush by, against my desire to continue indulging. Today, I wasn't interested in waxing the floors, dusting the cobwebs in dark corners, or sweeping the tiny pockets of trash that taint the floors of the Marrow House.
I wasn't interested in the slightest, so my mind switched to autopilot, letting my body move on its own while I thought about nothing in particular. That's why, when dusk finally settled, I almost didn't realize it—until I heard the swift, hushed whispers of the maids, anticipating tonight's event.
For tonight is the time for the Crimson Covenant.
It sounds like a witch's ritual, and in a way, it is. Many with noble backgrounds have magic in their blood, whether they were born into nobility or adopted into it. The wards have a special case when they arrive in a noble household. And I, for one, am more interested in that than in anything else that has happened in the six years I've been in this world.
As Madam Amelia promised, I was tasked with arranging and bringing out the meals and silverware to the dining table where the whole family would feast. Not such an important role to mess up, but enough to get just close enough to catch a glimpse inside. Smart, as expected.
The head chef prepared a variety of food, probably because little is known about our honorary guest's likes and dislikes. I was arranging the silverware on the dark oak table, and my ears couldn't escape the words of the maids across from me.
"Honestly, I can't believe we get to be in the same room as her, and on such an important night like this too!"
"I know, right? Hey, bet on her tripping and pulling the whole tablecloth off."
The girls snickered. I sighed and continued placing the silverware in the correct order: outer to inner, forks on the left, and knives and spoons on the right. Don't pay attention to their words; just ignore their giggles, bets, and petty remarks.
Then I heard a cough, too low to be any of the maids. Who...?
I lifted my head and saw the fearful expressions on their faces. What could possibly make them look like that?
I wished I hadn't turned, but it was already too late. The Grand Duke was standing behind me. His eyes were still a brilliant blue, but they were so... cold.
I flinched, though I never thought I would be afraid. Afraid? Why would I be...?
I shook my head and immediately bowed. "M-my apologies." I didn't know what I was apologizing for; I just knew I had to get out. I stiffly forced my legs to move, stepping left and right and walking past him. But then I heard him say,
"I don't see why you feel the need to apologize when the maids across have done nothing but giggle while you work."
I stopped in my tracks, my head just cranking to the side to see his back toward me. He was looking at the maids, who had now started to tremble. Then he nodded and waved his hand. "Continue as you were," he said to me.
I couldn't do much other than exit the room and prepare to bring the dishes to the table once the time was right. And when I do bring the food, I can see her again. Diane Marrow. Hopefully, my presence can at least bring some ease.