Meeting Claire and Jennifer
*Author pov*
The sun painted the Westallia Palace in morning hues, and the girls donned their uniforms, preparing for a long day of work. Descending to the dining hall in servant quarters, they anticipated breakfast. Michelle, delivered news:
"Today is important—The ladies Claire and Jennifer are coming."
Eveline and Saerom savoured their meal, curiosity piqued.
"Who are these two misses?" Saerom asked.
Lexi appeared, her expression annoyed.
"They are Duke Akai and Zella's childhood friends,"
she explained. "And perhaps soon, their fiancées."
She glanced at Eveline and Saerom.
"You two better not cause any trouble today."
Michelle's stern tone hung in the air, a reminder of the day's importance. The girls exchanged glances, mischief dancing in their eyes. Saerom, with playful intent, teased,
"We'll see if we're not causing trouble." Lexi's anger flared, while Eveline struggled to suppress her laughter.
The morning sun bathed the Westallia Palace, casting a golden glow on the garden.
Saerom and Eveline made their way to assist Robert—the keeper of blooms and secrets. The earth yielded to their touch as they tended to the flowers.
Robert greeted Eveline and Saerom.
The mission today Robert said:
"Taking care of the roses in the garden surrounding the palace"
Eveline's face lit up, her emerald eyes glittering with anticipation. She adored roses, their scent, their delicate petals, everything about them. Sareom, on the other hand, seemed indifferent.
They were preparing to leave when Robert informed them that they should head to the main entrance by 9 o'clock as some guests were arriving. The girls exchanged knowing glances, aware of the ideas of who the guests could be like.
Despite their differences, a warm connection bound the three of them together. It was a bond that transcended their individual preferences and united them in their shared experiences.
Saerom and Eveline were engrossed in their work, reminiscing about how quickly life had passed. It had been a while since they started working at Westallia Palace.
Their serious conversation was interrupted by a sound from behind the bushes. It was Kasper, the orange tomcat. A chubby one, but Eveline didn't mind it. She bent down to pick him up, cradling him and spinning around as if he was a little child.
She looked so happy while playing with him. Saerom interrupted
"Kasper seemed to have gained weight".
Kasper merely glared at her, all the while enjoying the warmth of Eveline's hug.
Saerom looked at Kasper, who was still comfortably nestled in Eveline's arms.
She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the chubby cat.
"Kasper, my dear, I think it's time for you to start dieting," Saerom said, trying to keep a straight face.
Kasper looked up at Saerom, his round green eyes wide open. He let out a long, drawn-out meow that sounded suspiciously like a protest.
"Did you just meow 'no' at me?"
Saerom asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kasper meowed again, this time with more conviction. It was as if he was saying,
"I'll have you know, I'm fluffy, not fat!"
"Oh, is that so? Well, you're the fluffiest cat I've ever seen!"
Saerom, retorted, laughing.
Kasper simply closed his eyes and snuggled closer to Eveline, clearly choosing to ignore Saerom's comments.
"It was clear who won this round of banter". After all, who could argue with a cat? Especially a cat as charmingly chubby as Kasper!
As Eveline and Sareom hurried to the main entrance of the mansion, Saerom turned to Eveline with a puzzled look on her face and said
"Why do we have to greet people we've never met before, Eveline?" she asked, adjusting her dress as they walked.
Eveline, who was leading the way, glanced back at Saerom with a knowing smile.
"It's the rules, Saerom,"
she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.
"In our position, we represent not just ourselves, but the entire palace. It's our duty to make all guests feel welcomed."
Sareom sighed, understanding the weight of their responsibility.
"I suppose you're right. It's just, I dislike it ?"
Eveline chuckled, patting Saerom's arm reassuringly.
"I understand, but remember, they're important guests!"
As the carriage came to a halt, Eveline and Saerom watched as two ladies descended.
The first girl, with her captivating golden eyes, long, wavy, soot black hair, was a sight to behold. Luscious eyelashes and her scarlet tinted lips were accentuated by her immaculate, elegant dress from a famous clothing brand, a clear indication of her wealth and status.
Following her was another girl, equally striking. Her long ruby red hair cascaded down her back, perfectly complementing her light green eyes. While her cupid-shaped lips hinted at her allure nature, with her elegant and noble presence, exuding lady-like manners. Both holding their fan-clasped their hands-very much lady-like gesture.
Duke Akai and Duke Zella approached, the maids parted, their attire indicating they were awaiting someone important. Claire and Jennifer, the noble ladies
who had alighted from the carriage, lit up at their approach. The anticipation was palpable.
"Akai, it's been too long!"
Claire exclaimed, her hand outstretched as he placed a light kiss, to greet her.
Meanwhile, Jennifer turned to Zella, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Zella, you haven't changed a bit!"
She said, hugging Zella tightly.
"Neither have you, Jennifer." Zella replied, returning the hug- like he had no choice.
A butler took Claire's and Jennifer's bags inside the mansion, Akai's gaze was drawn to a pair of emerald green eyes. The owner of those eyes, Eveline, held his attention. He was momentarily lost in her gaze until Claire, noticing his distraction, quickly pulled him by the hand and led him inside to the grand living room.
"Zella, I've missed you so much,"
Jennifer engaged in a conversion with Duke Zella, her voice filled with affection.
As Jennifer spoke, Zella's attention was caught by a girl with an unbelievable beauty. Her curly hair danced in the wind as she chatted with her friend. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
Saerom noticed his gaze and shot him one of her glare. Zella merely smirked in response,
his attention still on the Saerom. However, his moment was cut short as Jennifer, much like Claire, pulled him toward the living room.
The anticipation of the reunion was replaced by the intrigue of the new faces.
As the maids returned to their duties, Eveline and Saerom retreated to the garden.
Robert, however, informed them that there wasn't much to do and he would handle everything.
With a sigh, the girls resigned themselves to kitchen duties. Robert chuckled as they disappeared from his sight.
"Kitchen work is so boring, isn't it?" Eveline said.
"I know, right? And I absolutely hate doing the dishes." Saerom replied,
Eveline laughed
"You're just like a cat, hating water."
Upon entering the kitchen, Reem rushed over to them, greeting them with a warm smile and a hug. She asked how they were doing.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed as Michelle walked in, and everyone started work.
On her way to the toilet, Saerom bumped into Jennifer, causing Jennifer's purse to fall. Saerom was about to apologize when Jennifer cut her off.
"Watch where you're going maid!"
Before the situation could escalate, Zella intervened
"That's enough, Jennifer. Saerom, just be more careful next time."
Saerom went back to the kitchen, her head filled with plans of how to take revenge on those two.
"Reem, could I serve the coffee today? I'd like to help out more."
"Sure, Saerom. That would be great."
As Saerom reached for the salt, Eveline's eyes widened in shock.
"Saerom, what are you doing?!"
"Just a little prank, you know, Eveline."
"But Saerom, this could really get us into trouble!"
"Don't worry, Eveline. It's just a harmless joke. Besides, Jennifer had it coming."
"Eveline, I'll explain everything later. Let's just focus on serving the coffee now."
As Saerom and Eveline continued their conversation, Zella, who had been observing by, unexpectedly noticed her, put salt in the coffee and immediately understood what was about to unfold.
"This is going to be interesting." Zella thought to himself, as he was witnessing the scene before him.
"Duke Akai, where did Zella disappear ?" Jennifer inquired worriedly
Before Jennifer could finish her sentence, Zella appeared out of nowhere.
"I'm here, Everyone must have missed me, right" as his grin widened
Everyone in the room amused at Zella's dramatic entrance. but Claire remained distant, lost in her own thoughts.
As she observed Duke Akai, Claire couldn't help but admire his stature and charm, imagining a future where he was by her side, their lives intertwined in matrimony. Yet, her reverie was shattered by the intrusive image of a girl with emerald eyes who had captured Duke Akai's attention earlier today.
Claire's irritation simmered beneath the surface as she contemplated the possibility of Duke Akai's affections straying. Despite her inner turmoil, she forced herself to look forward to the week ahead, determined to maintain her composure in the face of uncertainty.
As laughter echoed through the room, Eveline and Saerom exchanged glances—a silent understanding that something hung in the air, a secret waiting to unfurl.
They stepped into the grand living room, their presence like a ripple on the surface of a still pond.
And there she was—the girl with emerald eyes. Claire's gaze locked onto hers.
With practiced grace, Claire raised her fan-clasped to her face, her golden eyes burned with hostility.
The girl—the one who had haunted her thoughts—was standing before her.
Zella's smile widened. He knew the situation that was about to unravel.
Saerom placed the tray of coffee cups on the table, her eyes fixed on one particular cup.
Zella's gaze followed hers, and he knew which cup held the salt. Eveline's attention remained locked on that very cup, her heartbeat a secret rhythm.
Zella stood up from his chair, gratitude etched on his features. He moved to serve coffee to everyone, his eyes lingered on the cup meant for Jennifer—the one laced with salt.
A decision weighed upon him: should he risk it himself, sparing saerom´s potential turmoil?
Unexpectedly, Akai extended his hand toward the same coffee cup filled with salt.
Eveline, Saerom, and Zella stood there, shocked by this sudden action.
Duke Akai took the cup without hesitation.Their eyes widened, and their mouths hung open in disbelief. It was as if they had witnessed something beyond their comprehension.
Zella watched helplessly as the coffee cup remained firmly in Akai's grasp.
A sweat slid down on Saerom`s forehead, it seems that she realised the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, Claire focused her gaze on Eveline, studying her every move.
Before anyone could take a sip of the coffee they delivered, Akai's deep, commanding voice cut through the tension:
"You may leave now."
Before they left, Claire, undeterred, complimented Eveline's eyes and inquired about her name, concealing her true motives behind her fan.
"Hmm, Eveline" Claire pondered
She couldn't contain herself. She leaned toward Jennifer, her laughter barely suppressed.
"Doesn't this mean 'elephant' in your first language, Jennifer?"
Eveline's heart raced as she caught the whispered words of the noble women. "Eveline" being akin to "elephant" echoed in her mind.
But Saerom's reassuring cut through her anxiety
"They're just jealous. Your name is beautiful."
Eveline managed a small smile on her face.
The room held its collective breath as Jennifer, with a hint of nonchalance, interrupted the charged atmosphere.
"Anyways, thanks for the coffee, maids"
She rolled her eyes, lifting the cup to her lips and taking a sip. Claire followed suit, her laughter momentarily forgotten of the situation that was about to unweave.
In that split second, Duke Akai raised the cup to his mouth,
The taste hit him like a sudden ache, unexpected and jarring, the bitterness of the brew mingled with the sharp tang of salt, creating a discordant symphony on his tongue.
Akai's gaze shifted from the coffee cup to Eveline, then to Saerom.
Their body language spoke volumes—the subtle glances, the shared secrets.
Shortly after the girls left the living room, their minds racing with anticipation, they headed toward the kitchen. But Zella materialised, blocking their path.
His gaze bore into them, and they averted their eyes, attempting to avoid his scrutiny.
Saerom, her patience thin, snapped,
"What do you want?"
Zella leaned in, his voice a low murmur.
"Ah, salt in the coffee. I should have expected this from you."
His lips curved into a knowing smile. Eveline lingered nearby, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.
"And now,"
Zella continued,
"it appears your little plan has faltered. You both have to deal with Duke Akai now."
His laughter echoed through the room, a mocking crescendo.
The tension thickened. The taste of salt still clung to Akai's tongue, Claire's concern broke through Akai's reverie.
He blinked, returning to the present, and nodded at her.
"Everything is fine," he assured her, his voice steady.
In the grand hallway lined with red-wine carpet, Eveline, Saerom, and Zella stood like chess pieces frozen mid-game. Their emotions simmered beneath the surface, a delicate balance of pride and necessity.
Zella leaned toward Saerom , his voice carried the weight of compromise.
"If you apologize, I'll speak to Akai. Perhaps he'll find it in himself to forgive both of you."
His eyes held a hint of challenge. Giving her a choice.
But Saerom laughed in Zella's face.
"In your dreams,"
She retorted, her defiance a shield against vulnerability. She wouldn't bend, not even for forgiveness.
Turning to Eveline, Zella softened. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
"You don't want to lose your jobs," he said.
Eveline's gaze bore into Saerom, urging her to take the step. The job—their livelihood—hung in the balance. She understood; pride could be a costly luxury.
As she was about to apologize when Akai's voice sliced through the tension.
"What's going on?"
Akai's presence, like a sudden storm, filled the hallway. Behind him, Jennifer and Claire, their faces etching of amusement concealed behind the fan they were holding.
Saerom hesitated, Eveline's puppy eyes still haunting her.
The hallway held its breath, secrets and apologies suspended. Akai's gaze bore into them, and Saerom wondered if he saw beyond the surface—a chess master calculating moves.
Eveline took a brave step, her voice steady as she apologized on behalf of Saerom.
Their eyes met—a fleeting connection that held more than mere words. But Eveline, like a startled rabbit, looked away within seconds.
Meanwhile, Claire observed from the shadows. Her mind churned with calculations. These two girls—their presence was an obstacle.
They would cause her troubles, she knew. And Claire, always resourceful, plotted her next move.
As the hours slipped by, the sun casting long shadows across the garden, Michelle made her way toward the gathering. There, amidst the fragrant blooms and dappled sunlight, sat Claire, Jennifer, Duke Akai, and Duke Zella in pleasantries and enjoyed their cookies and tea.
Michelle, her elegant demeanour unwavering, inquired about the well-being of everyone.
Her eyes, sharp as thorns, swept over the gathering. Claire's smile, a veneer of amusement, hinted at secrets beneath.
"We do have fun, Madam Michelle" Claire replied, her voice as delicate as noble women would be.
But Michelle's focus shifted. She beckoned for Duke Akai, and he excused himself, following her into the palace.
And then a sudden news struck : Amy, the middle-aged caretaker of Akai's clothes, was unwell.
Akai's aversion to many hands touching his belongings was no secret. The fabric held memories, secrets, and sometimes, treachery. Needles hidden in seams—a silent threat.
Michelle informed Duke Akai that Amy would be absent for approximately two weeks.
The responsibility of caring for Akai's clothes and cleaning his room now fell upon someone else. Duke Akai inquired if there was anyone Michelle trusted for this task.
Michelle tilted her head, lost in contemplation. Then, her expression brightened. "The two gardeners." She said,
"They have ample energy and are highly trustworthy."
It seemed, the gardeners would step into Amy's shoes during her absence, especially one of them.
Michelle added "they're name were Eveline and Saerom"
Eveline—the name lingered like a half-forgotten melody. Akai's mind painted vivid images: emerald green eyes that held secrets, wavy brown hair cascading like a waterfall. She was more than a gardener; she was an enigma.
Michelle's words snapped him back to reality.
"Eveline will do,"
He agreed. The garden awaited, its blooms and mysteries intertwined. Duke Akai then stepped outside and back to where the others were.
In the meantime Eveline and Saerom were with Peter, the farmer, his golden brownish short wavy hair and gentle blue eyes, standing amidst by the fountains garden .
His beaming smile radiates warmth. His friendly presence drew Saerom and Eveline in.
But it was Reem, their friend who captured his attention, her short auburn brown hair flowing in the air, doe sea green eyes that sparks and reflects her heart, an ocean with pureness, and her rosy cheeks.
He couldn't tear his gaze away; she lingered in his thoughts, an enchantment he couldn't escape. He fell deeply in love with her after he saw her for the first time.
Peter's gentle inquiry about her well-being, but her cheeks flushed with warmth. His concern touched her, and in that fleeting moment, something shifted—a connection, delicate as a petal unfurling.
"Thank you,"
Reem murmured, her voice soft.
"I'm doing well."
But her eyes held more—a reflection of feelings she dared not voice. Peter, with his beaming smile and friendly presence, had woven himself into her thoughts.
Saerom and Eveline exchanged knowing glances, realising they needed to give them some space.
They slipped away, leaving the two to their whispered conversations in the sun-dappled garden
In another part of the mansion, Michelle searched for Eveline. Her footsteps echoed in the corridor, urgency tugging at her.
But fate intervened. She stumbled upon Alex, the knight, his presence unexpected yet oddly fitting. Michelle's voice gasped, asked if he had seen Eveline.
Alex's eyes brightened at the mention of her name. Something stirred within him—a memory, a longing. He assured Michelle not to worry; he would find Eveline and direct her to the office.
In the cozy kitchen, Theodore stirred his special soup—a concoction of flavours.
The fragrant steam curled upward, wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. He relished this quiet moment, lost in the alchemy of ingredients.
And then, like a tempest, Claire burst through the door. Her presence electrified the room, and Theodore's heart stumbled—a symphony of longing and surprise. For years, he had harboured a secret crush on her, like a hidden spice in his soup.
Claire's feminine grace swirled around her as she approached. In her arms, she cradled Bella, her white cat—a creature as enigmatic as the moon. Her request was simple:
"Could you feed her?"
But Theodore knew better. Claire's standards were high; she demanded more than mere sustenance.
"Not just any food," she vowed.
"Only the best for my dear Bella."
Her hands moved with purpose, selecting choice morsels—the tenderest chicken, the freshest herbs. Bella deserved nothing less.
As Theodore prepared the cat's meal, he stole glances at Claire. Her laughter, her eyes—each detail etched into his memory. The soup simmered, forgotten, as he focused on this unexpected moment.