Whispers of Orchids
*Author*
Saerom's hazel eyes fluttered open, and there he was—none other than Mister suave, his arms encircling her waist.
Suspended in that moment, the world ceased to exist. Her heart raced and her mind swirling with a mix of emotions.
She couldn't deny the flutter in her stomach, nor the warmth that spread through her at his touch. Yet, she couldn't ignore the confusion either.
Duke Zella caught a tantalising whiff of her vanilla scent, a fragrance that stirred something deeper within him than mere attraction.
In his arms. Saerom was before him, a vision of alluring and fierce, her hazel eyes searching his own with a mixture of emotions he couldn't quite decipher.
Realisation dawned on Saerom, and she swiftly withdrew from his grasp, retreating a few steps. Annoyance and bewilderment blended on her face as she smoothed her skirt.
Her lips remained sealed, but her glare spoke volumes. She turned toward the hallway, Ignoring the duke's presence, and kept walking- Determined to escape the awkward encounter.
The scent still lingering in the air. Duke Zella curved his lips into a sly smile.
"Vanilla, huh? I suppose that's my new favourite scent,"
He murmured, his voice low and playful.
Meanwhile, Jennifer, a noble lady with an infatuation for Duke Zella, watched the scene unfold from a distance. Jennifer's grip on her fan tightened, The scene between them replayed in her mind over and over.
She approached him with a feigned smile, her envy barely concealed behind her fan. With a delicate touch, she inquired
"Is everything alright, my dear Zella?"
Duke Zella, still ensnared by Saerom's lingering scent, blinked back to reality. His hand still tingling from where it had touched her waist.
"Everything's fine."
he replied absentmindedly, his gaze drifting back towards Saerom's retreating form.
But Jennifer wasn't one to let some mere maid steal her man. She took Duke Zella's hand, pulling him along for a stroll, determined to reclaim his attention.
Meanwhile Eveline stepped out of the laundry boutique, her patience worn thin by the prospect of waiting for Duke Akai's clothes to dry. The sun beckoned her, and beyond the palace walls, the town of Gray Agatnez held promises of adventure. She escaped the boutique like a rabbit fleeing a trap, eager to explore.
She stumbled across a familiar face.
"Hi Eveline, are you okay?"
His voice was filled with warmth, concern etching his features.
"Oh, yes, Peter,"
Eveline replied.
"I just didn't fancy waiting around for the clothes to dry. Two hours feels like an eternity."
Peter's eyes sparkled with mischief as he shared a delightful idea.
"How about we head to a coffee shop? But not just any shop—it's the most famous one in town: Mr. Roan's Coffee Shop. A haven for coffee enthusiasts and cake lovers alike."
The mere mention of delicious cakes piqued Eveline's interest, and they set off toward Coffee and Cakes.
As they stepped inside, warmth enveloped them—the kind that only a well-loved café could offer.
A friendly face emerged from behind the counter, and Peter exchanged greetings with a girl.
"Hi Dina,"
he said to the unknown girl.
Eveline followed suit, her own greeting a soft hello to Dina, the enchanting barista. Dina's silver hair flowed like a moonlit stream down her back, contrasting beautifully against her porcelain skin. Her eyes—two pairs of amethyst gems—held stories untold, innocence, and kindness.
They settled at a cozy table, their cake slices like sweet confessions on porcelain plates. Eveline, the newcomer, revealed her connection to Westallia Palace and shared that she was new to the town of Gray Agatnez.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting warm hues through the window, time nudged Eveline.
The laundry room awaited her, its two-hour sentence still hanging in the air.
But Peter's voice halted her retreat. His cheeks flushed, and he extended a piece of cake—a silent offering
His words stumbled out, a blend of courage and vulnerability.
"Could you give this to Reem?"
Eveline's smile held understanding, and she nodded.
Eveline clutched Duke Akai's clothes, their weight a reminder of duty fulfilled. She stepped back into the palace, her footsteps echoing in the quiet corridors. The dorm awaited her, and she anticipated Reem's presence there.
Sure enough, Reem stood within, her expression a canvas of confusion. Eveline set the clothes down, meeting Reem's gaze.
"These are Duke Akai's garments,"
she explained, her voice gentle. But her eyes flickered to the cake—a sweet secret she carried. With a conspiratorial smile, Eveline lifted the confection.
"And this,"
she announced,
"is a present for you."
Reem echoed the word, her cheeks blossoming crimson. Eveline's revelation unfolded: Peter had entrusted her with this gift. Reem accepted the cake, her fingers brushing against its frosting.
Eveline nodded, her own smile lingering.
"Peter thought you'd appreciate it,"
she confided.
In Claire's room, Bella, her cat, perched on the balcony. As Kasper, the tomboy cat, strolled by, his eyes locked onto Bella—the snobbish, fluffy white feline who radiated an air of superiority. With each elegant tail flick and disdainful glance from her crystal blue eyes, Bella seemed to exist in a realm above mere mortals.
Kasper's heart somersaulted. He was smitten, captivated by this feline enchanting beauty. Determined, he scaled the tree, inching closer to the object of his affection.
But Bella, unimpressed, merely turned her head—a silent dismissal that left Kasper reeling.
«How could she ignore my beauty and charm and how handsome I am?»
Just then, Claire stepped onto the balcony, cradling Bella in her hands. Her gaze shifted to Kasper, and she issued a stern warning
"Stay away from that stray cat. You never know what diseases he might carry."
Kasper's eyes narrowed. How dare she say I am a dirty cat,
he thought.
He glared at Claire, but when his eyes met Bellas, the glare turned into heart shaped eyes.
Claire gently ushered Bella indoors, the balcony door closing behind them.
Her reflection in the mirror revealed a woman, deep in the mind, thinking about someone—her long raven hair meticulously arranged, makeup touched with care. But her mind danced to the rhythm of a familiar name.
With purposeful steps, Claire made her way to Duke Akai's office, anticipation fluttering within her. Yet, the room stood empty
Perhaps he lingered elsewhere—the enigma that tugged at her thoughts. She retraced her steps, whispering to herself,
"Maybe he's in his room."
Claire ascended to Akai's room. Her knuckles brushed gently against his door. Silence greeted her, and after a beat, she pushed it open.
The room enveloped her—the air thick with Akai's presence. She wandered, her mind a blank canvas painted with his scent.
Claire traced the edges of his furniture, her fingers brushing against memories. But her destination lay beyond—a vast wardrobe, a sanctuary for Akai's attire.
She stood amidst its expanse, dwarfed by rows of suits, jackets, and shirts. A glass table sparkled nearby, reflecting an array of his watches.
Yet Duke Akai remained elusive. His footsteps echoed elsewhere—a man lost in contemplation, seeking solace in familiar brushstrokes.
As Eveline lingered, her hands cradling Duke Akai's clothes, the door to Akai's room stood ajar, inviting Eveline inside.
She stepped across the threshold. Her arms cradling Duke Akai's clothes, but the room lay empty, not noticing Claire`s presence.
Near the window, Eveline noticed. A fragile orchid clung to life. Its petals drooped, Eveline, drawn to its fragility, approached.
Yet, before she could intervene, Claire's voice sliced through the silence. The woman—Akai's soon to be fiance—materialized, her golden eyes sharp as falcon talons.
"What are you doing here?"
Claire's inquiry hung in the air, a challenge veiled in courtesy.
Eveline pivoted, her gaze meeting Claire's. The clothes, she explained her purpose—to return them to their rightful place.
But Claire's hands halted her, a barricade of propriety. She requested the clothes, her eyes assessing Eveline's reaction. Eveline hesitated, then surrendered the garments. Claire's satisfaction glimmered.
And as Claire turned to arrange the clothes herself, she added a cryptic note:
"I should do these things. After all, I'm about to be his future wife."
Eveline stood at the threshold, ready to exit, when Claire's voice halted her once more. She requested that Eveline remove the withered orchid flower and replace it with a fresh one.
"I'm staying with Akai tonight,"
her tone firm.
"The room must look its best."
Eveline nodded, her steps measured as she left the room. Claire's satisfaction lingered in the air.
Outside, in the corridor, Duke Akai approached. His presence, like a magnetic pull, drew her gaze.
Eveline met his crimson eyes, a subtle nod passing between them.
Claire steps quickened. She awaited him—a smile on her lips. Akai's inquiry hung in the air, and Claire wove her excuse:
"I helped put your clothes back. I know, you don't just trust anyone, especially the maids."
Akai's gaze swept the room, sensing an absence—a void that tugged at his senses.
Something was amiss. He pivoted, Claire still there, her presence both uninvited and bothering.
"Leave,"
he commanded, his voice clipped.
"I need to shower."
Claire's smile remained, undeterred. She nodded, her exit graceful.
"I'll take a walk in the garden outside,"
she said.
"I will be waiting for you there."
Eveline's footsteps echoed down the hallway, and there stood Saerom—lollipop in hand.
Their eyes met. Saerom mumbled something, her words lost in the sugary swirl of candy. Eveline leaned in, asking,
"What?"
Saerom removed the lollipop, her voice clearer this time.
"Is everything okay?"
But their conversation was interrupted—a rustling from the bushes, a clandestine figure emerging. Duke Zella clutched an unexpected treasure: floral roller skates.
Eveline and Saerom, fueled by curiosity, trailed Duke Zella through hidden passages.
Until he reached a secluded spot within the palace. There, he sat, attempting to balance on floral roller skates.
Eveline and Saerom, concealed in the foliage, observed his struggle—their amusement evident.
As Zella wobbled, Saerom's voice cut through the air.
"Looks like someone can't balance themselves,"
She teased, a smirk playing on her lips. Eveline, more compassionate, bent down to help him. She patted his head, promising assistance. Meanwhile, Saerom, lollipop in hand, confronted him.
"Did you steal those roller skates from Floral?"
She asked, her gaze accusing.
Zella's response was swift:
"Do I look like a thief to you?"
Saerom's expression spoke volumes—yes, indeed, he did.
But before they could continue their banter, Eveline's memory tugged at her.
The orchid flower! She pushed Zella, inadvertently directing him toward Saerom. Their hands met, and for a fleeting second, Saerom held him tightly. Vanilla scent enveloped him again—a sensory collision of surprise and warmth skipped his heart in a beat.
But reality snapped back. Saerom stepped away flustered, Zella tumbled to the ground.
Eveline, vanished toward the palace, Saerom, still shocked by what happened to Eveline, followed her inside- rather not be alone with Zella.
Leaving him alone with the lingering fragrance of vanilla scent of her once again.
Eveline, her steps hurried, ventured through the palace in search of Robert. Along the way, she encountered Leo and Alex—observant souls who noticed her distress.
Alex, kind-hearted, inquired about her well-being, and she assured him.
"I'm fine."
But her focus remained on Robert's whereabouts. Leo provided a clue
"He was near the fountain in the garden."
Eveline dashed outside. Her purpose is clear: an orchid flower.
She knew precisely where to find them. Amidst the blooms, a purple orchid stood out—a delicate gem among its peers.
Eveline lifted it gently. Preserving its roots in plastic wrap. Back inside, she encountered Theodore in the kitchen. His smile greeted her. She asked about a vase. He disappeared momentarily, returning with one in hand. Eveline placed the orchid inside, its petals unfurling like secrets.
A voice interrupted
"You must give this coffee cup to Duke Akai,"
Lexi the sub-head said, with a mix of annoyance and amusement etched on her face.
She carefully balanced the coffee cup and the purple orchid, and made her way up to Duke Akai's room.
She stood in front of the door, her heart racing. She tried to knock, but from habit she bumped her elbow to the door instead. With a determined twist, she used her elbow to open it.
Inside, her eyes widened—a familiar frame filled her vision. Duke Akai stood there, half-naked, in the process of putting on his shirt, his hair still damp.
Embarrassment flooded Eveline's face, and she spun around, her heart racing. Akai's presence was unexpected, and her mind raced to catch up, She stammered,
"I-I'm sorry!"
and hurriedly turned away.
As Eveline moved toward the door, intending to flee, a hand closed it behind her. Panic surged through her—worst-case scenarios flashed before her eyes. Then, a voice interrupted her thoughts:
"Turn around, Eveline."
The room seemed to hold its breath, and Eveline hesitated, her heart torn between curiosity and embarrassment. What awaited her when she faced Duke Akai once more?