When my mother learned that I had chosen Lisa as my lady-in-waiting, her reaction was nothing short of a dramatic soap opera. She threw her hands up in the air like she'd just witnessed a calamity of biblical proportions. "Are you absolutely certain about this choice, Mery? This is... unconventional at best!"
I remained resolute. "Yes, Mother. I'm certain. I believe Lisa is the right choice for me."
My mother's eyes narrowed, her expression a blend of frustration and defeat. "Fine. If you're so determined, I'II relent. But if Lisa is to serve you, she'II need a crash in etiquette and noble conduct. She must be presentable!"
I couldn't help but grin as she sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging as if she's just accepted the weight of the world. "Thank you, Mother."
Thus began the grand spectacle of Lisa's herself to personally train Lisa in the fine art of noble etiquette, from perfecting the delicate art of tea pouring to mastering the proper way to curtsy without tripping over one's own feet.
Lisa looked like a deer caught in the headlights, her attempts at elegant movements often resulting in her stumbling into furniture or accidentally knocking over teacups. I watched with a mix of amusement and sympathy as Lisa tried tried to navigate the minefield of high society manners. It was like watching a sitcom where the clumsy heroine was trying to juggle flaming torches while blindfolded.
Meanwhile, my mother took on the role of a strict headmistress, her face a mask of stern concentration as she correct Lisa's every mistake with the patience of a saint and the fervor of someone preparing for a royal coronation.
Oh, this is going to be entertaining, I thought, trying to stifle my laughter as Lisa fumbled through her lessons. Who knew becoming a noble's lady-in-waiting could be so... comical?
Evelisse stood before Duchess Elowen, who was engrossed in a book about fabrics, her brow furrowed in concentration. Evelisse's head hung low, and her hands were clasped tightly in front of her.
Gathering her courage, Evelisse spoke up softly, "Your Grace..."
Duchess Elowen looked up from her book, her expression shifting to one of warmth and concern. "Yes, Evelisse?"
With a hint of pleading in her voice, Evelisse continued, "Your Grace, my mother is very ill, and she is alone. Could I be granted leave to visit her?"
Duchess Elowen's eyes softened as she set aside her book. "Oh, Evelisse, I am so sorry to hear that. Family should always come first. Of course, you may go and be with your mother. Take the time you need. We will manage here in your absence."
Evelisse's eyes brightened with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Grace. I will return as soon as I can."
The Duchess gave her a reassuring smile. "Take care, Evelisse. I hope your mother feels better soon."
Evelisse started to leave, but Duchess Elowen called after her, her tone gentle but firm. "Evelisse, don't go alone. I'II arrange the carriage for you."
Evelisse looked flustered, her hands fluttering nervously. "It's okay, Your Grace. I can manage by myself."
Duchess Elowen shook her head, her eyes filled with empathy. "You're important to my daughter, Evelisse. I don't fully understand why, but I can't let you leave so recklessly. Besides, anyone who comes under our roof becomes our responsibility."
Evelisse gazed at the Duchess, seeing in her a reflection of her own mother's kindness. The warmth and familiarity in the Duchess's eyes made it impossible for Evelisse to refuse.
With a grateful smile, Evelisse nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace. I'II let Lady Meredia know before I leave."
Lisa was on her way to her town, sitting in the carriage with her eyes fixed on the large suitcase filled with clothes, blankets, food, and medicine. Her heart swelled with gratitude as she marveled at the kindness of Lady Meredia and Duchess Elowen.
"Lady Meredia and Duchess are so kind," she whispered to herself, her smile brightening. "They've provided so much for Mother. They're nothing like my previous employers."
She placed her hand over her chest, feeling an overwhelming sense of appreciation. "I can't wait to share this with Prince Ancillin."
Without warning, the carriage door burst open, and the window began to slide inward, making her gown and hair flutter wildly. Lisa scrambled to press her gown down and stood up to close the door, but before she could react, a figure soared into the carriage from the roof.
The intruder landed with a dramatic thud, their silhouette stark against the dim interior. Lisa's heart raced as she faced the unexpected guest, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.
The initial fear and confusion melted into pure surprise and joy as Lisa's eyes locked onto the figure before her. The dirty blonde hair and the unmistakable green eyes could only belong to one person. Prince Ancillin. He was dressed inconspicuously in commoner's attire, with a hood pulled over his head, but his presence was unmistakable.
Ancillin's flirty, teasing smile lit up the dim interior of the carriage, and Lisa's heart skipped a beat. Her initial shock gave way to an uncontrollable smile, and she found herself laughing with relief and happiness.
"Prince Ancillin!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement. "What are you doing here?"
Ancillin, leaning casually against the carriage wall, offered a roguish grin. "I heard you were heading home and thought I'd catch a ride with you. Can't have my favorite lady-in-waiting journeying alone, can I?"
Lisa's eyes sparkled with delight. "Your didn't have to-"
Ancillin waved a dismissive hand, his grin widening. "Oh, but I wanted to. Besides, I couldn't let you get away without a little adventure, could I?"
As the carriage jolted slightly on the road, Lisa's heart felt lighter than ever. The driver's voice came from outside the carriage, concerned and slightly puzzled. "is everything fine, Miss Carter?"
In a flurry of panic, Lisa turned to the Prince beside her, her face a vivid blush as Ancillin leaned in, planting a teasing kiss on her cheek. Her heart raced, and she stammered, "Ah... I... I'm fine. The wind was too strong, so the door just opened by itself."
The driver's voice came through again, filled with concern. "Should I come check it?"
Lisa, trying to regain her composure while pushing Ancillin's mouth away from her skin, managed to reply, "No, it's okay. Everything's under control."
Ancillin, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, whispered, "I didn't meant to cause a stir. Just wanted to make sure you had some company."
Lisa, now a shade of deep crimson, shot him a flustered look but couldn't suppress a small, grateful smile. She adjusted her gown and took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart as the carriage continued on its way.
Ancillin reached out, gently taking Evelisse's hand in his, his fingers tenderly brushing over her knuckles as he gazed deeply into her light cerulean eyes. The contact sent a shiver through Evelisse, and she felt her cheeks flush. She tried to maintain her composure but found it impossible to meet his sparkling green eyes.
Unable to keep the intense gaze, Evelisse looked down, but Ancillin, with a playful yet affectionate smile, cupped her face in his hands. He gently squeezed her cheeks, pulling her closer until their faces were just inches apart.
"I think Duchess Elowen has been hard on you lately," he said softly, his eyes scanning the faint shadows under her eyes. "Those eye bags tell a story."
Evelisse shook her head gently, her voice a soft murmur. "No, they've been kind. The Duchess is very considerate. Lady Meredia is also very sweet; she said I'm like her sister."
Ancillin's smile widened, warmth evident in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. It's important to me that you're the future wife of the younger prince, who is also the High Lunarch of Valkathra."
His words, those lightly teasing, were filled with genuine care and affection. Evelisse's heart swelled with emotion as she realized how much Ancillin valued her well-being.
Ancillin's eyes locked onto Evelisse's, his gaze tender and full of unspoken emotions. He slowly closed the distance between them, his lips barely grazing hers in a teasing whisper of a kiss. Evelisse's breath caught in her throat, her heart fluttering wildly as she felt the warmth of his breath mingling with hers.
Ancillin's lips were soft and gentle, brushing against hers with a delicate pressure. He took his time, saving the sweetness of the moment as he let his lips linger, feeling the slight tremor in Evelisse's touch. He then deepened the kiss, tilting his head slightly to fit their mouths together more perfectly. His lips moved slowly, coaxing hers to respond, and the kiss became more passionate, though still tender.
He held her face with one hand, his thumb gently caressing her check, while his other hand rested on her waist, pulling her slightly closer. Evelisse's fingers instinctively moved to his hair, tangling gently in the soft strands as she leaned into the kiss. The world outside seemed to vanish, leaving just the two of them in this intimate bubble.
As their kiss continued, Ancillin's lips moved with a gentle rhythm, tracing the contours of her mouth with a careful, loving touch. Evelisse's lips parted slightly, allowing the kiss to deepen just a little more, their breaths mingling in a shared, warm sigh.
Finally, Ancillin pulled back slowly, his lips lingering a moment longer before he rested his forehead against hers. He looked into her eyes with a tender smile, his own eyes reflecting the warmth and affection he felt. Evelisse's cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining with a mix of surprise and joy.
"You are everything to me," Ancillin murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just needed you to know that."
Evelisse smiled, her heart full. "I feel the same way," she replied, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "I'm so happy to be with you."
They sat there, their hands intertwined, basking in the afterglow of their kiss, savoring the deep connection they had just shared.