Chapter 09 – The Only Light

Arsene dismissed that, telling Lord Calypso do not worry about him and even told everyone to stand straight.

“I really do apologize for coming unannounced. Looking at everyone you must be worried about me coming here but let me assure that you can carry on with your duties as it is. I do not wish to be treated like a special person here even though the law says that I should be.” Arsene is not even trying to be humorous but a few people who are there somewhat found it laughable and amusing at the same time.

This isn’t the first time Calypso Castle accommodated a high-ranking visitor but it’s a first that someone asked to be treated normally. And coming from an emperor for that matter.

“If that’s the case, then will His Majesty accept our offer to divulge a late dinner? We may not have the grandest castle but our kitchen is exceptional,” Lady Rosalind said proudly.

Arsene smiled at that. “I’m looking forward to it, Lady Calypso.”

Thankfully, the emperor’s attention is already with Lady Rosalind so Eve used it as a chance to inform her brother that she would be taking a rest already. Lord Arthur just nodded at that and told her to just come down if she feels famished later on so instead of the kitchen, she went a different direction where the stairs are and climb up.

Anita automatically welcomed her with a basin of water and a fresh set of towels. The maid was a bit surprise seeing the cape around her shoulders but she cut her off immediately.

“Just put it down the table, please. I would like to wash myself alone.”

“Of course, My Lady,” the maid told her and retreated back to the door.

Eve let herself collapsed on the bed. She was just lying when he told her brother that she’s tired because she just wants to stay away from Arsene as soon as possible, but now she realizes that she really is drained. The events that happened at the House Wales last time already caught up to her. As of that moment, she’s still contemplating as to how things escalated as they are right now.

Certainly, seeing Arsene right now is the last thing she wanted. Seeing him now, doing more than good is too much for her to bear that it feels like an old wound being reopened though, she can’t help but feel at ease of not getting married to the marquis’ son because he stopped it. Yet at the same time, she’s unnerved at what’s going to happen now?

Looking back at what the emperor said last time, he even called her his woman. His woman. Eve would like to think that it’s just a show so House Wales will back down if they are still to proceed with the marriage proposal but even her own mind can’t convince her.

There’s just something about the way he looked and held her last time that’s unsettling. That kiss. That damned kiss. It was just a quick, soft one but it’s more than enough for her to wander back to her past, that she has already sealed away.

The frustration made Eve thumped her chest with her fist. The emotions she’s feeling right now are too overwhelming she can’t even describe it. The tears she’s been holding back through the years also somehow manage to come out already and she can’t stop it.

***

The clock on her bed side table told her that it’s exactly three in the morning.

She got up from the bed and ready herself to go out, not bothering to put any new clothes since at this hour, only a few people are still awake. She’s starving and she intends to check the kitchen for any leftovers from the feast.

When Lady Rosalind said that their kitchen is exceptional, it wasn’t just an attempt to impress the emperor. Surprisingly, their cooks are really good that she even compared them to the cooks she knew before. When it comes to delicious dishes, Calypso Castle can take other houses head on.

“Are you alright, My Lady? It’s three in the morning, is there anything do you need? Are you not feeling well?” one of the maids asked worriedly upon seeing her just dressed in a thin night gown. She may be a knight outside the castle, but inside, the servants treat her like a lady as per the command of her brother.

“No. I’m hungry. Is there anything left?”

“The others have just gone out to buy supplies for breakfast later, My Lady, but if it’s fine with you, I can reheat the beef stew,” the cook butted in, upon hearing that the lady is starving.

“That’s more than enough for me. Please give me a bowl, and I also want a bottle of wine.”

“Coming right up, My Lady,” the maid responded with a bow before going to the other room for the bottle of wine she asked for.

After a few minutes, the cook handed her a bowl of steaming beef stew placed carefully on a tray. There is even a red apple on the side.

“I will be eating at the garden.” she said after bidding her thanks to the servants and turned on her back.

“My Lady –” the maid called but she did not look back.

The way to the garden is a bit dark but Eve has been navigating the castle through the years that even though she’s blindfolded she can still find her way.

She has already slid the glass door open when a tall figure just bumped into her. She almost screamed when the bottle fell down but surprisingly, the person caught it midair.

“Thank you, I –”

She stopped upon seeing who it is. Even though the only light during that time is the one coming from the bright, full moon, she can still make out the red, jewel eyes staring down at her like a wolf tantalized by its prey.