Unbecoming 03

The room fell silent again as Cailina's attendant went to where he placed the Monarch's message. Cailina crossed her arms and looked at the bright scenery outside. It was different from what she was used to seeing. 

In her former office; her gaze would land at a greenery landscape. The scene before her displayed the life of the capital. It was neither bustling nor deserted, a few passersby would greet another and a carriage or two would pass by.

She basked under the sunlight while her thoughts once again went back to her puppy. Her chest felt like a hollow cave; cold and empty. Cailina took a deep breath and patted her heart, she wanted to end feeling miserable, but as time flew with its usual course.

She found herself missing him.

"My Lady?" Lai stood with a chest on his arms.

He pursed his lips as he waited until Cailina freed herself from her suffocating thoughts. There was no comfort he could think of, it made him feel worthless that his master gradually loses her liveliness. Cailina was in the same state she was in eight years ago. 

Lai took a step closer to Cailina as the latter seemed to be lost in thought without much care of her surroundings. Her gaze kept low as she slowly twisted the ring on her porcelain finger. 

His hand lightly tapped her shoulder, still no response. He repeated the motion again, but before his hand touches her, Cailina gripped his wrist and glared. 

"Leave it, and you are dismissed."

Cailina stared at the small chest in front of her. It was a simple one that it would be a mockery if it were to be said that it was from the Monarch. 

She tapped the chest's lid. It felt cheap as it made a light tapping sound. 

Cailina turned the chest sideways to inspect the carvings around it as it looked like it was crafted by a beginner craftsman. 

Was this supposed to be another joke by her attendant? Just by the thought of one of Lai's sly smile made Cailina's brows twitch.

She wouldn't bother to open the chest. She was not in a mood to play along with his nonsensical games. The bell rang as it signaled for Lai to enter the room.

In a blink, he was already in front of Cailina with a hopeful grin on his face. 

"Open it," Cailina ordered.

Lai's smile froze as he looked at his master as if she had grown three heads. He darted his gaze at the chest and back to Cailina. After a moment of silence, he cleared his throat.

"I don't quite understand what you mean."

Cailina pointed at the chest with her gaze. She lifted her chin and waited for him to open whatever he brought in. She would certainly place him on stable duty.

The two battled with their unwavering stares, but soon Lai gave up and let out an inaudible sigh. He approached the chest with caution. 

Before the contents of the chest were exposed, a knight entered the room. He bowed and informed Cailina that the Duke called for her. 

Cailina stood and gave Lai a glance, "I leave this in your hands."

~

Duke Grandis finished reading the last pile of documents as his daughter entered. He dropped his pen and smiled at her. He could not deny that his only daughter was the best among the noble children. 

"I heard that you have met Lord Cassius," he said as he stood up and offered Cailina a seat, "have you gone through the documents"

Cailina nodded as she took a sip of the tea. Indeed, her father's tea choice reigned above hers. 

"I plan to have you and Lord Cassius be close acquaintances."

Her father broke the stillness that floated around them. Cailina looked at him with an amiable expression, her thoughts hidden by the small smile she carried.

Duke Grandis continued, "You will learn from him."

He approved of the young man's dedication to his work. Although at first, Cassius said not a word, gradually he warmed up and was now communicating better.

Duke Grandis nodded at his wise decision. His daughter would surely benefit if she learned from a humble peer of hers. After all, the Imperial Nobles couldn't oppose Cassius' presence as he was recognized by the Emperor. 

He was lost in his own approval while Cailina stared at him with the same eyes. She tried to guess what her father's thinking about, but she only could look at him with a curious look.

"Ah yes, you should prepare for the summer banquet," her father ushered her to the door, "don't be saddened if His Highness won't be there."

Cailina's shoulder was patted by her father followed by the door closing. She looked at the knight as if she was unable to fully understand what her father meant.

Her attendant was already waiting for her outside the office. He remained silent until Cailina noticed him which he flashed his signature smile.

"My Lady," he lifted the chest, "I believe you should open this as soon as possible."

Cailina took it from his hands and waved her hand. She wanted to be alone for the rest of the day. Dealing with people exhausted her energy, it would be best to lie down and stare at her bed's canopy. 

The soft covers of the bed cushioned her body. She hugged the sheets for comfort, her eyes sting for some unknown reason. Even the bed felt unfamiliar to her, she missed the scent of her former room. At least there, her puppy's scent lingered if she focused on it. 

Cailina laid on her back as she stared aimlessly. Her mind was in different places that she wished others would give her the space she needed, but the space she wanted was too vague for others to understand. 

She missed Aris.

Her lids drooped as she tired herself out from holding her tears. The sky poured as it seemed as the heavens were the ones that cried for her. She listened to the pattering of drops outside her window. The summer rain appeared lonely as it gradually lulled her to sleep.

As she moved in her slumber, her hand brushed over a feather. It dimly glowed as it gave somewhat comfort to Cailina's heart.