Elysia was grateful for the servant's interruption at the perfect time, even though it was only for a short time, she still appreciated it. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest and she needed to calm it down immediately. Her governess was diving into matters that were delicate to her heart, matters that she was scared to think about, for she was not ready for the truth.
"Are you alright, My Lady?" Rebecca asked, noticing Elysia's discomfort. She lifted the teacup to her lips, drawing a sip of the creamy tea.
"Yes I am." Elysia replied, a small smile gracing her lips. Her eyes were fixed on the cup placed in front of her, her throat felt dry, but she feared if she lifted the cup it would fall from her shaking hands.
Rebecca placed her cup on the table, her eyes shifting to look at Elysia. "I did not mean to make you uncomfortable, you must know that I only wish you well. You are like a younger sister to me, I want to protect you, and I fear that you would get your heart broken by this cruel life," Her eyes filled with warmth and concern.
Elysia swallowed the lump in her throat, her fingers fiddling with each other. "You did not make me uncomfortable, it-it is just that I can not see the King as the sort of man to be disloyal to anyone."
"I understand what you are saying, but you must know that if there is one thing a man is good at, it is manipulation." Rebecca stated, her eyes watching Elysia's every movement and expression.
Elysia brows arched. "You do think the King is manipulating me? That can not possibly be the truth. What would a powerful King as himself get from manipulating a human like me?" Her voice slightly raised, she was beginning to grow uneasy.
"I did not say the King is manipulating you. I only told you what a man is capable off. I know you are being defensive because you are close to the King, but you should remember he is still a man, a powerful man." Rebecca added, her tone still calm and collected.
Looking away from the woman, Elysia stared out the window, watching the rain wet the ground in soft thud. "I am sure you know by now that I am an ordinary woman, I have no titles or whatsoever."
"I know that my Lady. Is that why you are still with the King? For the respect and wealth?" Rebecca questioned, lifting her cup to her lips again.
"None! I do not care for wealth. I am here because I do not have any choice, the King bought me and my freedom. I can not leave him." Elysia replied.
"Can not or would not, Lady Elysia?"
Elysia's brows scrunched together. "I do not understand what you are driving at, I just told you the King bought me, i am his property now." She held onto her dress tightly.
Rebecca let out a breath before narrowing her eyes at Elysia. "If you were to walk out of the palace right now, who would stop you? Will you be punished, starved and chained to the wall?" Rebecca asked, her voice now sounding cold.
Elysia's eyes returned to the woman in front of her. "No." She whispered, her voice low.
"That is what I thought. You are here because you want to stay, not because you are forced to stay with the King." Rebecca replied.
"Perhaps you are right, but what would you have me do. If I leave this palace I am nothing, I do not have a home, no family, no money. I would never survive outside the palace walls, I would die." Elysia explained, tears already welling up in her eyes.
Rebecca's eyes softened, she stretched her hand forward and touched Elysia's chin, making her look up to her. "You are strong and determined Lady, Elysia, you would certainly survive on your own. You can work, perhaps become a governess like myself if the thought of marriage displeases you." She paused watching Elysia bite her lower lip. "And if it is marriage you want, you are a beautiful woman. Once you come out, reputable bachelors would be lining up to ask for your hand."
"Do you suggest I leave the King? Run away?" Her eyes widened, suddenly feeling her stomach churn at the thought of leaving.
"No, of course not. I only suggest you take care to think about what it is you truly want for yourself." Rebecca replied, pulling her hand away from Elysia's chin.
Elysia was lost in her thoughts, she felt like a thousand words were randomly scattered in her head that was how confused she was. Letting out a deep breath, she placed her hands back on the table. "I think we have done enough learning for today, I would like to excuse myself. I am beginning to develop a headache." She stated.
"Do you need me to call the servant to bring you a cold cloth or medicine?" Concern lacing her voice.
"No, no, I think I just need to lay down for a little while. It is nothing alarming." Elysia replied, a small smile on her lips.
"Very well then, I think we have indeed spoken quite a lot this morning. I will leave you to rest, perhaps we would do something different tomorrow." Rebecca returned the smile.
"Very well, thank you. And I am deeply sorry for cutting our time short." Elysia apologized.
"Nonsense, all I care about is your well-being. You can take as much time as you need, I would always be here when you need me." The governess assured
"Thank you, do have a lovely day." Elysia said, gathering her dress as she walked towards the door.
Rebecca lifted her cup again watching Elysia make way to the door and step out, closing the door softly behind her. A slow sinister smile grew on Rebecca's lips, making her face hard. Her eyes changing from warm to cold and emotionless.