Upon arriving at the palace, I was escorted to a room prepared for me to rest. Meanwhile, Cedric and Dion went straight to meet with the king. I had a hunch about what Cedric's work involved this time—it seemed he and the king were planning the grand victory celebration.
From the documents I had glimpsed while Cedric was asleep in the carriage, the victory celebration was to be held in two different locations: the town hall and the palace. Both events were scheduled for the same day. Such extensive preparations undoubtedly consumed a great deal of his time and energy.
Accompanied by a few maids, I sipped tea while gazing out the window at the beautiful palace garden. There was nothing particularly special about it. Though the palace was magnificent, Orion's estate felt like home to me. Of course, it would be even better without Zoya. Sooner or later, I would find a way to make her leave, but in the meantime, she would need to experience a few inconveniences while she remained as a servant there.
I spent my time quietly in the room, occasionally chatting with the maids. Today, I received some excellent information. A festival is being hold at the town hall today. Thank you to the maid who shared this news with me.
Now, I had another chance to spend time with Cedric.
"Are you tired?" I asked Cedric as soon as we sat in the carriage.
Cedric paused as he was stepping inside, turning his attention to me. "Perhaps," he replied.
How foolish of me not to anticipate that Cedric would be exhausted after attending the meeting. It only dawned on me when I saw his weary expression. The timing wasn't ideal either; it was nearing nighttime—perfect for rest. Though I knew Cedric wouldn't immediately go to bed, dragging him to the festival would drain whatever energy he had left.
Maybe tonight wasn't the right time.
"Is something on your mind? You look like you want to say something," Cedric asked, his perceptiveness startling as always.
"No, nothing really. I just feel bad seeing you so overworked," I said, flashing a reassuring smile. "Let's just head home and get some rest."
"That's all?"
"Yes, that's all."
"Tell me if something's troubling you," he insisted.
"Nothing is. I'm just tired from being out all day."
Cedric stared at me, as if trying to decipher what was on my mind. "Alright, if that's truly what you think," he finally said.
Returning his gaze with a sweet smile, I let it slide this time. There was always tomorrow—I would invite him to the festival then. And with that, our conversation came to an end. I turned my attention to the window, unable to deny my own weariness. I was ready to head home, my eyelids heavy with drowsiness.
Cedric was busy with his belongings—most likely work documents. Even after the meeting had ended, he still refused to stop.
I could no longer fight the drowsiness. Resting my head against the window, I shifted to find a more comfortable position. Just as I was drifting off, the carriage suddenly jolted, likely from hitting a large rock or some other obstacle. The impact caused my head to bump against the windowpane. Sleeping in a carriage was clearly a terrible idea.
I winced in pain, clutching the left side of my head where it had struck. The sound of the collision had been loud, and the pain was sharp.
Out of nowhere, I felt a gentle hand caressing my head. "Where does it hurt?" Oh no, if Cedric kept acting like this, I might just melt into a puddle.
He had now taken the seat directly beside me, closing the already minimal distance between us. I could see his face clearly, and I struggled to keep calm.
"Here," I said, guiding his large hand to the sore spot. His worried expression was so endearing, yet also... how should I put this? Utterly heart-melting? I couldn't find the right words to describe the sight before me.
"From now on, lean on me if you want to sleep in the carriage," he said firmly.
"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to disturb you." Without answering my question, Cedric pulled me even closer. The little space that had existed between us disappeared entirely.
Excuse me, but this wasn't leaning anymore—this was practically an embrace.
***
The moonlight bathed the Orion estate as two carriages entered through the gates. Several servants lined up, ready to greet their arrival. Among them stood Zoya and Ellie, waiting with expectant eyes.
From the second carriage, Dion stepped out and made his way toward the first carriage. He opened its door, revealing a sight that left everyone frozen in astonishment. Today's scene was nothing short of extraordinary, one that widened eyes and left mouths agape in disbelief.
Cedric stepped out, carrying Cathleen, who was fast asleep in his arms. The two of them were close—so close that it felt unreal to the onlookers.
Zoya, watching this unfold, was instantly consumed by jealousy. Even Ellie, standing beside her, could feel the heat of Zoya's anger radiating off her. Zoya clenched her dress so tightly that the veins in her hands were visibly strained.
The servants bowed their heads as Cedric passed by, though some failed to do so, still trying to process what they had just witnessed.
Not one to stay idle, Zoya quickly caught up to Cedric, walking alongside him. "I will prepare Lady Cathleen's room. You only need to escort her to the door, my lord." she offered.
"No need," Cedric replied, his tone resolute. "Cathleen will be sleeping in my room."
Zoya struggled to maintain her composure, though her thoughts screamed at her to push Cathleen out of Cedric's arms. "But, my lord, Lady Cathleen might feel disoriented waking up in an unfamiliar room."
"I will handle that," Cedric said dismissively.
"My lord, Lady Cathleen shouldn't—" Zoya's words were cut short when Head Maid Eleanor suddenly appeared at her side, her presence commanding attention.
"Your room was prepared by the servants hours ago," Eleanor informed Cedric calmly.
"Thank you, Eleanor." Without sparing a glance behind him, Cedric walked away, heading straight toward his room.
Left behind, Zoya and Eleanor stood in tense silence. "Were you about to contradict Lord Cedric's orders just now?" Eleanor's tone was sharp and unforgiving.
"N-no, it wasn't like that. I just thought ...."
"Thought what? That you disapprove of Lady Cathleen being close to her own husband?"
Zoya could only lower her head, utterly at a loss for words. Her emotions were in chaos—burning jealousy now mingled with the humiliation of being scolded by Eleanor. She had to endure it all.
"As Lady Cathleen's personal maid, your duty is to support her and Lord Cedric, fostering their relationship. I suggest you reflect carefully on your behavior today."
"Yes, Head Maid. I apologize," Zoya replied through gritted teeth.
"And one more thing," Eleanor added, her grip on Zoya's shoulder firm. "I am well aware you ignored my earlier order to assist the servants in the storeroom. Consider this your final warning. You won't get another chance to defy me."
With that, Eleanor left Zoya standing alone.
Today was undoubtedly the worst day for Zoya. Her resentment grew deeper, bubbling beneath the surface, ready to erupt someday.
She would never forget this day. Not ever.