Invitation

One morning, Meara was concentrating on the usual morning duty of essence transfer. She is holding his hand and with all her feelings, tries to convey them through the transfer.

The room is a bit cold, and the seiza position is not that comfortable for Meara. Nevertheless, the cramping in her legs is not as bad as it was in the early weeks that she started this duty.

After a quarter of an hour, Donne is full and relaxed. Meara respectfully put his hand in his lap and waited for his instructions to let her leave the room.

"Um, Master…?" She asked.

"What?" Since Donne just received her essence. His mood is quite stable towards her. This is the after-effect of Meara's blue essence.

"I have here the potion I mentioned before. I have three small bottles. You can bring them and use them anytime you feel like your energy is low. Please accept it." She got the glass bottles from the cook.

"How do I know this is not poison?" Donne challenged her.

"Theron, the Hunter, tested it for a few days. According to him, it enhanced his focus and his energy was very high during hunting and relaxed him after an exhausting day. He took one in the morning and one at night. There's no danger in overuse. It also tastes like creamy milk without the fishy taste or smell."

"Sometimes, I wonder. It was said that you are smart but you fail to comprehend a simple question."

Meara looks dumbfounded. She didn't understand Donne's words.

"I will never know if this is the same as what you gave that hunter. For all I know, you may be contemplating your grievances against me considering how you are treated in this mansion."

Meara finally understood.

"Master, you are right, there is no way to know. However, I promise with my life, I only want to give you comfort and ensure peak vitality and health for you." Meara said sincerely with her pleading cornflower blue eyes.

"Alright." He took the small glass bottles and put them on the table. The light from the sun reflected a sparkling blue sapphire color among the bottles and created a beautiful scattered spectrum in the walls of the room. It was pretty.

Mr. Milton knocked and was allowed to come in. He went over to Donne and handed a very exquisite invitation.

"Huh, my best friend decided to celebrate his silver year... Ask the Master Tailor to come tomorrow at noon. We still have three weeks before the banquet. Tell the wives as well to prepare and contact their seamstresses."

Meara's eyes brightened with excitement. Donne caught it. He simply said:

"No."

Meara's bubble of happiness popped as soon as it was blown.

"I understand, Master." She lowered her head.

Oh, how she loves parties. Like women her age, she likes dressing up, dancing, and eating milky desserts.

"Leave."

Meara got out as instructed. She slowly got up, concentrating on feeling the stability of her legs. Little did she know that the second wife Corin was at the door and heard everything. She was carrying a tray of freshly made pastries.

When Meara opened the door, the smell of sweets and milk wafted in the air. Her eyes were pulled straight to the tray Corin was holding.

"Hey concubine, wait for me in the back kitchen," Corin whispered.

Meara looked at Corin. Even in her confusion, she agreed.

Corin entered the room and approached Donne. She gently put down the tray.

"Husband, here's your favorite. I baked it this morning." She kissed his cheek and hugged him from behind.

"Thank you."

"Oh, an invitation! It's his majesty's 25th birthday! You'll bring us, right?" She stood up and picked the elegant invitation laced with gold on the edges.

"Yes, prepare well." Donne picked up a pastry and ate it.

"Even the concubine is coming?" She sweetly inquired.

Donne swallowed first then reached for the teacup. It took him a minute or two before answering.

"No. She might bring us shame. Her ignorance and immaturity might slip out."

"But she grew up rich right… so she knows basic etiquette? Also, she can wear my old dress if she doesn't have one. We have the same body type. You should know that very, very well." She teased.

"Whatever. If you insist. I will leave her to you as your responsibility that day. But only you and Anwyn will be with me in the carriage."

"Alright, I will take care of it. Leave it to me." She gently pulled his face upwards and kissed him tenderly on the lips. She headed towards the door.

She went out and met Meara in the back kitchen.

Looking at the two women, you may mistakenly identify them as master and servant. One was delicately clothed, with jewelry and makeup. The other was in a simple cotton cloth dress, without jewelry and makeup.

"My Lady, what can I do for you?" Meara asked respectfully, not daring to look in her eye.

"You want to go to the banquet right? It's on the 28th of this month. But do you have a gown?" Corin asked with a hint of ridicule.

"Yes! I… I can get one!" Meara's excitement is evident. Her eyes shone like a child hearing a promise.

"Alright. Make sure to present yourself well. Donne said you'll be my responsibility."

"Thank you, my Lady." She thanked her sincerely with her head down. Her mind is screaming with hidden happiness.

Corin looked down on her humble appearance, rolled her eyes, and left.

Little did Meara know that Corin had no plans to bring her to the banquet.

So she went back to her courtyard happily contemplating what gown from her luggage would be appropriate to use.

When she got back to her home, she meticulously unpacked four gowns, all of which belonged to her mother. She displayed them all on the wall, taking care of the hems not to touch the ground. Her eyes were shining brightly.

Calla called for her from the living room. She just got back from picking up the food ration for breakfast.

"I'm here!"

When Calla entered her bedroom, she was also mesmerized by the gowns displayed on the wall. As a village girl, she also never wore one. There is also no need to own one since a poor girl like her won't have the chance to attend luxurious banquets.

Meara reached for her hands.

"Calla, I was allowed by the General to attend the King's upcoming birthday party!" She excitedly told her the news.

"Wow, how did it happen?" Calla asked, a bit confused about how the cold general included Meara in such a prestigious event. The general was never proud of Meara. How come he is willing to bring her now?

Meara told Calla about Corin's intercession for her.

It was then that Calla understood.

However, she cannot bear to pour cold water on Meara's happiness. She never trusted that second wife. She feels a certain sense of foreboding.