The next morning arrived with a clear sky and the distant sound of the training grounds in full activity. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of my room, illuminating the golden details of the furniture. I was seated near the window, waiting for the perfumer.
On the table before me sat a tray with fresh fruits and bread. Though the aroma was inviting, my mind was too preoccupied to eat. Today, I'd have to face the crown prince.
A light knock on the door broke through my thoughts.
— Come in, — I said, adjusting my posture.
Mateus, the ever-present guard who seemed glued to me, entered and gave a short bow. Behind him was a middle-aged man carrying a dark leather case. Dressed in a finely tailored vest, the man exuded the kind of confidence only master artisans could display.
— Sir, this is the court perfumer, — Mateus announced.
The man inclined his head respectfully.
— It's an honor to serve the heir of the War Master. I've brought a selection of the empire's finest fragrances.
I stood, motioning for him to approach.
— Let's see what you've got. But let me warn you now—none of those unbearable scents from yesterday.
The perfumer chuckled nervously and opened his case, revealing small glass vials filled with liquids of varying hues. He began explaining the compositions—woody notes, florals, citruses.
Before I could make a choice, an idea struck me. I glanced at Mateus.
— Oh, yes. Mateus, could you fetch the young lady? The one my family took in?
Mateus hesitated, looking slightly confused.
— You mean Lady Lyra?
— That's the one. And stop calling me 'sir.' It makes me feel old.
He blinked, clearly thrown off.
— Then what should I call you?
— I don't know. Figure something out, — I said, rubbing my eyes.
— Master? — he ventured, hesitantly.
— No, that sounds like I'm enslaving you, — I corrected, moving toward the mirror.
— I... I don't know how to... ma— I don't know, — he stammered, clearly flustered.
— Just use my name, — I ordered, starting to dress.
— I can't do that. I'd rather you kill me now, — he replied, horrified.
I rolled my eyes.
— Then what about 'boss'?
— Boss? — he repeated, still uncertain.
— Yes, like someone above you, — I explained, smirking.
— Okay... boss, — he finally agreed.
— Good, good. Now go get Lady Lyra, — I instructed.
— Lyra, — he repeated, nodding as he left.
As Mateus exited, the perfumer returned to showcasing his collection of fragrances. He listed the compositions with enthusiasm, but my mind was only half on the task. It wasn't long before Lyra appeared, entering the room with a smile.
— Zephyr, I'm here, — she announced as she approached.
— Perfect. Come closer, Lady Lyra, — I said, gesturing for her to join me at the table where the vials were arranged.
She leaned in, curious.
— What are the options?
— Well, my lady, according to what Master Zephyr requested, we have the following, — began the perfumer, listing the scents with pride:
Eternal Flame
Notes: Roasted coffee, black vanilla, pink pepper.
Forbidden Mist
Notes: Night jasmine, golden amber, cashmere wood.
Twilight Venom
Notes: Bitter almond, creamy coconut, tonka bean.
Shadow Wave
Notes: Aged rum, wild honey, black orchid.
Ashes of Lust
Notes: Caramelized chestnut, smoked wood, warm vanilla.
Lyra frowned slightly, examining the bottles.
— These are all women's perfumes.
The perfumer smiled proudly.
— Yes, my lady, but with a revolutionary twist, just as Master Zephyr requested.
— Something simple like jasmine would be better, — Lyra suggested with a shy smile.
— You're so boring, — I teased. — I want all five.
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
— Then why did you call me to help if you were going to choose all five anyway?
— You're the one who offered, — I replied, shrugging.
She huffed, clearly irritated.
— When I heard it was women's perfume, I thought it was for me. But if my opinion doesn't matter, I guess it's not for me.
— Obviously it wasn't for you. I said it was for me. Are you deaf or something? — I teased, laughing.
She blushed slightly but tried to hide it.
— Oh, right. Sorry.
How was I supposed to know the protagonist was dumb? I thought, laughing internally.
— Perfumer, — I called, turning to him.
— Yes, sir? — he answered attentively.
— Prepare the jasmine perfume for Lady Lyra, — I ordered.
— That's not necessary. I was just mistaken, — Lyra said, embarrassed.
— It's fine, — I replied indifferently.
After that, I let Lyra pick out a few more perfumes. My sister always said women don't like stingy men, so I figured showing generosity would be a good move.
Lyra approached me, holding out her wrist, now scented.
— It smells so good! Do you want to smell, Zephyr?
Leaning in slowly, I caught the scent near her neck.
— It really is nice.
She smiled, pleased.
— So, shall we go see the crown prince now?
I sighed, picking up one of the bottles and spritzing the chosen scent on myself.
— Fine. Let me put on my perfume first.
She laughed lightly, and together, we left, ready for the next challenge.
On the way to the crown prince's palace:
The castle corridors were bustling, yet I felt like all attention was on me. The gazes of servants and guards followed us, their whispers buzzing like a constant hum.
— Is he going to see the prince? — I heard someone murmur.
— Probably scheming again. Always jealous, — another voice replied.
I kept my composure, ignoring the comments. Zephyr Delacroix likely deserved the reputation, but that didn't mean I had to embrace it.
Beside me, Lyra seemed oblivious to the stares. Her eyes were fixed ahead, but her fingers nervously fiddled with the hem of her dress.
— Nervous? — I asked, breaking the silence.
— Of course not. Why would I be? — she replied, trying to sound confident.
— Maybe because you insisted so much on coming, and now you look like you're about to faint, — I teased, raising an eyebrow.
She huffed, looking away.
— I just want things to go smoothly.
Before I could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
— What are you two doing here?
We stopped immediately. A woman walked toward us, her firm steps echoing down the corridor. She was stunning, with long white hair that cascaded like silk down to her waist and violet eyes that seemed to pierce through any facade. Her scent, sweet with notes of coconut, filled the air, but her expression was anything but welcoming.
— The pretender and the jealous one, — she said with disdain, her eyes shifting between me and Lyra.
Lyra immediately curtsied.
— Forgive us for visiting unannounced, Lady Bianca.
Bianca. The name rang a bell. If I remembered correctly, she was a powerful noble and somehow connected to the crown prince. Her hostility was palpable, but her beauty almost made one forget the venom in her words.
Bianca crossed her arms, a cold smile on her lips.
— I'll only forgive you if you leave.
— Alright, then let's go, Lady Lyra, — I said quickly, turning on my heels.
— Zephyr! — Lyra exclaimed, grabbing my arm. — But what about the crown prince?
Bianca let out a short laugh, clearly enjoying the situation.
— You can see him at the banquet welcoming the warriors back from the war. Until then, I suggest you stay far from the palace.
Her tone left no room for argument. Lyra hesitated but eventually nodded.
— Understood, Lady Bianca, — Lyra replied with a forced smile.
As we walked away, Bianca stood there, watching us with that same cold smile. It was clear she and Lyra didn't get along, and I couldn't help but notice how the mention of the banquet had completely changed Lyra's demeanor.