Chapter 3
757 Words
Serena
Today was supposed to be my day off - a long awaited chance to forget the endless bustle of the castle for a few hours . But instead of rest , I was summoned to the commander .
“ Well , what a surprise , “ I muttered as I entered the chamber , trying to hide my irritation .
When the door closed behind me , I felt the air in the room grow heavier . Silence and him .
He sat behind a desk , buried in papers , but immediately lifted his gaze to me - cold , focused . He was only 22 , but his eyes held the confidence of a commander I could only envy .
“ Ella Vale ? “ he said without asking , as if confirming I was the one .
“Yes , milord , “ I answered evenly .
“Sit .”
I stayed standing . Not out of stubbornness , but because I hadn’t come here for comfort .
“Do you know why you’re here ?”
“No ,” I said calmly , trying not to show any nervousness . He leaned back in his chair , crossing his arms . He rubbed one glove lying on the table and looked at me suspiciously .
“Someone saw you pick something up off the floor in the wine hall and hide it .”
Without blinked , I replied :
“I picked up a shard . Someone spilled wine , and I didn’t want anyone to get cut . “
He smiled as if it was a challenge .
“You answer quickly . “
“And you accuse too quickly . “
I caught his gaze , where a spark of interest and a shadow of doubt flickered . He stood and stepped closer ; his shadow fell over my face .
“Do you often speak to a commander like that ? “
“ Only when I feel he’s not speaking like a commander .”
We stared at each other for several seconds , and I realized - he wasn’t just suspicious , he wasn’t just suspicious , he was trying to figure out who I really was .
“You’re free to go ,” he said finally . “ But if you see spilled wine again , better to say right away to avoid trouble . “
I nodded and turned , but I heard him say :
“ It’s nice to see someone who knows how to answer back . “
I caught a glimpse of his slight smile - maybe the only one all evening .
After the talk in his chamber , I walked the castle halls faster than usual . I need to get back to where the ovens warmed the air and the noise drowned my thoughts .
The kitchen welcomed me with its usual chaos : clattering pots , the smell of stewed meat , and the cook shouting about oversalted soup . I headed to the table where Elvy was sorting fresh apples into a basket .
“Where have you been ? “ She asked without looking up . “ thought it was your day off .”
“ It was , until someone decided to summon me , “ I muttered , hopping onto the edge of the table .
She glanced up at me , sensing something more serious
“ who ? “
I narrowed my eyes .
“ The commander . Can you believe it ?”
She froze with an apple in her hands .
“ you’re joking .”
“Nope and guess what ? He started by accusing me . Said I was hiding something .”
Elvy nearly dropped the apple .
“What did you say ? “
“That I don’t like being accused without proof .”
She stared at me , then burst out laughing .
“And he didn’t kill you ? “
“Not yet , Actually , he said he liked that I answered back . “
“Oh wow .. she said , raising an eyebrow . “He definitely likes you .”
“ I doubt it , I scoffed . “I probably just annoy him . “
“Yeah , that’s why he smiles when talking to you , right ?”
I rolled my eyes , but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips .
- Writer
